Characterisation of Bacterial Types: Genetic Polymorphisms

The first project is an investigation of the characterisation of bacterial types that cause microbial keratitis and identification of immunological consequences. The second is an analysis of whether genetic polymorphisms can lead to the production of adverse responses during contact lens wear.

The Institute has built a world-wide reputation for its identification of the types of bacteria that can cause microbial keratitis and the virulence traits that are critical to the bacteria. In addition, over many years we have built an expertise in the area of corneal immunology as it relates to the production and/or control of microbial keratitis.

Research is continuing in this area. Recently we have identified many of the virulence traits carried by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains that cause microbial keratitis. We have also been investigating the differences in the immunological responses to infection of the cornea by Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Investigators

Project Leader
Prof Mark Willcox

Assoc Prof Hua Zhu
Dr Nerida Cole
Prof Fiona Stapleton

Facilities

The microbiology and immunology facilities at the Institute.

To learn more about Microbial Keratitis click here.

Genetic Polymorphisms

The project is analysing of whether genetic polymorphisms can lead to the production of adverse responses during contact lens wear.

Much research using animal models has shown that there are various immunological responses during Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus keratitis that can either lead to resolution or exacerbation of the disease. Indeed, the immunological response is a major cause of the pathology associated with keratitis.

This project examines whether people who have developed contact lens induced adverse responses, especially microbial keratitis, and who have had various levels of pathology associated with the response, were genetically predisposed to this outcome.