Professor Shiranee Sriskandan

Pathogenesis of Infection Transmission

Infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes range from pharyngitis to invasive, lethal necrotising fasciitis. There is a strong imperative to increase research in this area, especially as the rate of invasive disease in the UK surged at the start of 2009.  Research into the pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection is bolstered by our collaboration with epidemiologists in the Health Protection Agency, with the Sanger Institute, and by our direct involvement in patient care.

Understanding the pathogenesis of infection transmission and progression will help to determine the best management strategies for preventing transmission and improving treatment in the future. Neutrophil recruitment is impaired during lethal S. pyogenes diseaseand this is in part related to the novel enzyme, SpyCEP (S. pyogenes Cell Envelope Proteinase) made by the bacterium, a protease that was discovered in this laboratory. Clearance of S. pyogenes is, however, impeded by a plethora of virulence mechanisms employed by the bacterium including hyaluronic acid capsule, proteins that bind to or inactivate complement and antibacterial peptides, and enzymes that degrade  immunoglobulins. Projects addressing bacterial evasion of immune defence, as well as the role of superantigens in streptococcal infection are available in the laboratory.

The clinical specialty relevant to:  Infectious diseases, microbiology, plastic surgery.

Contact Details
s.sriskandan@imperial.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8383 3135