Bacterial Virulence and Vibrio cholerae

We study the evolution and pathogenicity of microorganisms that result in human disease. Using the diarrheal pathogen Vibrio cholerae as a model organism, our work addresses the following questions: 1) What are the molecular mechanisms of horizontal transfer of genes encoding virulence factors, and 2) How do mobile genetic elements regulate expression of virulence factors they encode? Many critical bacterial virulence factors and determinants of resistance to antimicrobial agents are encoded on mobile genetic elements. Therefore, the answers to these basic questions will suggest new strategies to prevent the dissemination of these mobile elements, to improve live vaccines, and to design novel antibiotics.

Note that Dr. Waldor continues to mentor an Immunology student already in his laboratory, but has relocated to another institution..