Neely, Melody N.

The major research focus of my laboratory involves elucidating mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis using several streptococcal pathogens as virulence models. We have developed a unique animal model system for the study of infectious disease using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model host. Using the zebrafish infection model and different streptococcal pathogens, we can cause disease states in the zebrafish that are highly similar to those observed in human streptococcal infections. This allows us to study virulence mechanisms in vivo in a vertebrate host that has immune responses that parallel those of humans. In addition, genetic manipulation of the streptococcal strains allows us to determine what genes are required for different forms of disease.