Research

Bacterial Colonization

Staphylococcus aureus persistently colonizes 20-30% of adults and up to 75% of infants. Although often a nasal commensal, S. aureus is also an opportunistic pathogen, and colonization significantly increases the risk of invasive disease. In the Planet lab, we aim to better understand the biological mechanisms that allow S. aureus to colonize, persist, and invade.

Host-Microbe Interactions

The host immune system plays a pivitol role in regulating bacterial colonization. We are especially interested in determining how prior exposure to S. aureus strain 502A elicits an immune response that prevents subsequent colonization of methicilin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain, USA300.

Pathogen Evolution

Antimicrobial resistance is a major focus in the Planet lab. We aim to determine the key genetic changes required for nontuberculose mycobacteria to adapt during chronic lung disease. We also study the genetics of other respiratory pathogens such as S. aureus during outbreaks at CHOP.

Clinical Surveillance

S. aureus is the leading cause of healthcare associated infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We receive nasal, skin, blood, and even fecal samples from the CHOP NICU to track the persistance and transmission of S. aureus in this vulnerable population.

Bioinformatics

Using whole genome and metagenomic sequencing data from patients in the CHOP NICU, we strive to answer questions such as: why are certain S. aureus strains invasive in the NICU? Where do they come from? How are they transmitted? What even is a "strain" anyways?

Invasive Fungal Diseases

We study fungi too! Opportunistic fungal infections of immunocompromised children have a high mortality rate. Using whole genome sequencing, we are evaluating the genetic determinants of antifungal resistance in invasive fungal pathogens of humans with the goal of ultimately developing better treatments.

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