K. A. Patras

Heterogeneity of the group B streptococcal type VII secretion system and influence on colonization of the female genital tract

This study characterizes the heterogeneity of the T7SS in GBS and shows subtype-specific effects on host colonization and gene expression.

Gestational diabetes augments group B Streptococcus perinatal infection through disruptions in maternal immunity and the vaginal microbiota

This study shows that gestational diabetes increases GBS perinatal infection by altering maternal immunity and vaginal microbiota, using a murine model.

Progress toward the development of an effective vaccine for Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC): The application of the multiple-protein subunits vaccine in different murine models

This study evaluates pro-HlyA and Dual-Hit as vaccine candidates against ExPEC, showing reduced bacterial burden and increased survival in murine models.

Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model

This study evaluates a humanized microbiota mouse model to understand how vaginal microbiota composition influences susceptibility to urogenital pathogens, finding that certain bacterial taxa correlate with reduced pathogen levels but show inconsistent in vitro and in vivo effects.

Phage resistance accompanies reduced fitness of uropathogenic E. coli in the urinary environment

This study shows that phage resistance in UPEC arises quickly in the urinary environment but comes with fitness costs that reduce bacterial growth and virulence.

Chemical Impacts of the Microbiome Across Scales Reveal Novel Conjugated Bile Acids

The paper identifies novel conjugated bile acids produced by the microbiome in mice and humans using mass spectrometry and a murine 3D model.