Bloodstream Infections From Gut Resident Bacteria

During the neonatal phase of life, the intestinal microbiota is relatively simple and composed of small gram negative bacteria. Once across the intestinal epithelium, bacteria can cause bloodstream infections. The severity of these infections depends on the age of the offspring; those closer to birth develop a more severe inflammatory response resulting in neonatal sepsis. We are investigating how the immune system responds toward gut resident pathogen changes during the neonatal phase of life.

Funding source: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21)