Bacterial Pathogenesis

Researchers in the laboratory of Chelsie E. Armbruster, PhD, are broadly focused on investigating microbe-microbe interactions, host-microbe interactions and patient characteristics that influence disease severity.

Our research on bacterial pathogens focuses primarily on how these simple, single-celled organisms successfully cause disease. We study the pathogenesis in different host tissues of both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Understanding and Fighting Pathogens

Our biofilm research is contributing to a better understanding of otitis media, a common middle ear disease affecting young children. We focus on two major bacterial causes: Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

We also are exploring novel treatments for orthopedic and prosthetic infections due to antibiotic-resistant biofilms that form after knee and hip replacements and limb amputations. We are working to define optimal antimicrobial parameters to help fight multiple pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Our work on the immunobiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae may lead to novel strategies for vaccine development against gonorrhea.

We are analyzing the genetic factors that enable four pathogenic species of Bordetellae to scavenge iron — an essential nutrient for their survival — from host tissues. Our findings could pave the way for possible new therapies against upper respiratory tract infections.

In addition, we are exploring molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair and error-prone damage tolerance functions in Escherichia coli bacteria.

Our researchers also are studying mechanisms that contribute to DNA mutation processes in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes illness and death in cystic fibrosis patients.

Research News

Study Focused on Aiming to Better Understand UTI
12/17/24
An NIH grant will allow Chelsie E. Armbruster, PhD, to study pathogens than cause urinary tract infections, the most common infections worldwide and a leading cause of morbidity and health care expenditures across all ages.
Research Community Gathers at Microbiology Conference
6/12/23
The microbiology research community in Western New York and beyond gathered for the 33^rd annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis, hosted by the Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology.
Trainees Earn American Heart Association Fellowships
4/22/22
Three trainees in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology have received fellowships from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Scientists Honored for Work on Host-Microbe Interactions
4/15/21
Chelsie E. Armbruster, PhD, and Elsa Bou Ghanem, PhD, both assistant professors of microbiology and immunology, are being recognized as highly-promising, early-career scientists in the field of host-microbe interactions by the American Society for Microbiology’s Infection and Immunity (IAI) Journal.
48 Original Projects Featured at Student Research Forum
3/22/21
The research projects, from 48 aspiring physician-scientists, were presented at the 2021 Virtual Medical Student Research Forum.