Role of Persister Cells in AMR

Brian Conlon, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. His research focuses on antibiotic tolerance and resistance in the infection microenvironment. Here, nutrient availability, interactions between the pathogen and the host, as well as co-infecting or commensal microorganisms can have a major impact on antibiotic tolerance and the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Using mice to model numerous infection types including a diabetic wound, a skin and soft tissue infection and bacteremia, Dr. Conlon’s lab aims to identify drivers of antibiotic success or failure, with a focus on one of the most important human pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus. Developing an understanding of the determinants of treatment success or failure then facilitates translational projects to augment the microenvironment, improve antibiotic efficacy and eradicate infection.