CM 793 Presentation Date: October 28, 2021 @ 2:00 PM in Pathology 103

Title: “Looking at differences in the host transcriptome during pulmonary TB”

Advisor: Mercedes

ABSTRACT:

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) can cause severe and chronic pulmonary infection in immune susceptible patients. Mab has become increasingly prevalent since its first isolation in 1953, and in the last decade, has become a major health concern for patients with cystic fibrosis. The focus of this study is to look at the differences between an immune sufficient and deficient host during Mab infection to uncover new targets for antibiotic therapy. Results have provided an improved in vitro cell infection assay that will be used for preparing a single cell suspension from Mab infected mice and subsequent imaging and transcript analysis. We expect to utilize current RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and imaging technologies to help paint a clear picture of the host response to Mab pulmonary infection for improving patient outcome.