R. M. Shanks

In vivo evolution of a Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule defect promotes complement-mediated opsono-phagocytosis and persistence during recurrent infection

The paper identifies a capsule defect in K. pneumoniae that enhances complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis and persistence during recurrent infections.

The short chain fatty acid propionic acid activates the Rcs stress response system partially through inhibition of D-alanine racemase

The study identifies propionic acid as an activator of the Rcs stress response in Serratia marcescens, showing it inhibits D-alanine racemase rather than affecting intracellular pH.

IgaA protein, GumB, has a global impact on the transcriptome and surface proteome of Serratia marcescens

This study shows that the GumB protein regulates the Rcs stress response system in S. marcescens, affecting its transcriptome and surface proteome, which impacts virulence factors.

Bacterial keratitis: similar bacterial and clinical outcomes in female versus male New Zealand White rabbits infected with Serratia marcescens

This study finds no significant difference in bacterial burden or corneal scores between male and female rabbits infected with Serratia marcescens, suggesting mixed-sex groups can be used in bacterial keratitis research.

The Rcs stress response system modulates Serratia marcescens induced inflammation and bacterial proliferation in a rabbit keratitis model

Genomic and phenotypic diversity of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from endophthalmitis

This study examines genomic and phenotypic diversity of Enterococcus faecalis isolates from endophthalmitis patients, revealing genetic and phenotypic variability and evidence of adaptive mutations during recurrent infection.

Generation of Xylose-inducible promoter tools for Pseudomonas species and their use in implicating a role for the Type II secretion system protein XcpQ in inhibition of corneal epithelial wound closure

This paper develops a xylose-inducible promoter system for Pseudomonas species and uses it to show XcpQ's role in inhibiting corneal wound closure.

The Toxin Antitoxin MazEF Drives Staphylococcus aureus Chronic Infection

This study shows that the MazEF toxin-antitoxin system in S. aureus inhibits biofilm formation and promotes antibiotic tolerance, facilitating the transition from acute to chronic infection.