Impact of Phages on Cholera and their use in preventing infection

Abstract:
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses of bacteria. Phages play a major role in the life cycle and evolution of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. We have identified and characterized a group of phages that closely associate with V. cholerae during infection of humans. We are studying the arms race between them and V. cholerae, and are developing a preventative for cholera using these phages.

Speaker:
PROFESSOR ANDREW CAMILLI
Tufts University, School of Medicine
Department of Molecular Biology & Microbiology

Biography:
My scholarship and teaching center on gaining a deeper understanding of the life cycles of bacterial pathogens, so we can use this information to develop novel vaccines and other preventatives or treatments. Training the next generation of scientists is a major part of this goal.