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Bacterial Pathogenicity in Catheter-Associated Infections

 

The research program is interested in understanding how urinary catheterization-induced inflammation renders the host susceptible to microbial infection of the urinary tract and subsequent dissemination. Additionally, we are also interested in deciphering key host and pathogen determinants for infection and targeting them to develop novel antibiotic-sparing therapies.

 

While the research program is lab-based at the University of Notre Dame, the findings have implications for today's global health challenges.

Research Focus

  • Biochemistry

    At the EIGH, our researchers use biochemistry - or the study of chemical substances and their vital role within living organisms - to combat various global health challenges, such as antibiotic resistance and counterfeit drugs.

  • Genetics and Genomics

    One way to study certain diseases is through genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of individual inherited genes in an organism. At the EIGH, this means studying how organisms can inherit and spread certain diseases. Additionally, by analyzing the entire structure, function, and evolution of an organism's genes, researchers may identify ways to prevent a disease from genetically passing disease traits.

  • Molecular Biology and Microbiology

    Researchers at the EIGH use microbiology, which encompasses the study of an entire microorganism, and molecular biology, or the interactivity between molecules within a cell of an organism, to better understand disease and improve global health. 

Who’s Involved

EIGH Faculty

NOTRE DAME PARTNERSHIPS

  • College of Science

Additional Information

Publications

 

Xu, W, Flores-Mireles AL, Cusumano ZT, Takagi E, Hultgren SJ, Caparon MG. Host and bacterial proteases influence biofilm formation and virulence in a murine model of enterococcal catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

 

Walker JN, Flores-Mireles AL, Pinkner, CL, Schreiber HLt, Joens MS, Park AM, Potretzke AM, Bauman TM, Pinkner JS, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Desai A, Caparon MG, Hultgren SJ. Catheterization alters the bladder ecology to potentiate Staphylococcus aureus infection of the urinary tract.

 

Flores-Mireles A. L., Walker JN, Potretzke AM, Schreiber HLt, Pinkner JS, Bauman TM, Park AM, Desai A, Hultgren SJ, Caparon MG. Antibody-based therapy for enterococcal catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

 

Flores-Mireles A. L., Walker JN, Bauman TM, Potretzke AM, Schreiber HLt, Park AM, Pinkner JS, Caparon MG, Hultgren SJ, Desai A. Fibrinogen Release and Deposition on Urinary Catheters Placed during Urological.

 

Flores-Mireles, A. L., Pinkner, J. S., Caparon, M. G., and Hultgren, S. J. An EbpA adhesin vaccine prevents catheter-associated UTI by blocking Enterococcus faecalis biofilms formed by exploitation of fibrinogen.

 

Conover, M. S., Flores-Mireles, A. L., Hibbing, M. E. Dodson K, Hultgren SJ. Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model.

 

Flores-Mireles A. L., Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options.

 

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