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|  |  Amber M. Smith |
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Amber M. Smith
Department of Mathematics
University
of Utah
Office: LCB 318
Phone: 801-581-8340
e-mail:smith@math.utah.edu
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Research Interests
Lethal Synergism Between Influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Secondary bacterial infection associated with Influenza are a leading cause
of death in the United States. These bacterial infections, mainly caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae, capitalize on the environment in the respiratory
tract created by the Influenza virus. Experiments suggest a lethal synergism
between these pathogens, but the precise mechanisms involved are unknown.
However, some hypotheses attribute the interaction to specific viral
properties, dysfunctional immune responses, and/or accelerated cell
regeneration. In addition, an interesting and surprising observation is the
change in viral levels following bacterial challenge suggesting a truly dual
effect. To develop insights into the kinetics and interactions of these
pathogens, we are creating mathematical models of the following infections:
(i) Influenza, (ii) Streptococcus pneumoniae, and (iii) Influenza followed
by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Advisors/Collaborators:
Affiliations:
| Publications
McAuley, J.L., F. Hornung, K.L. Boyd, A.M. Smith, R. McKeon, J. Bennink, J.W. Yewdell, and J.A. McCullers. Expression of the 1918 Influenza A Virus PB1-F2
Enhances the Pathogenesis of Viral and Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia. Cell Host & Microbe, 2:240-249, October 2007.
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Presentations in LaTeX: the Beamer class
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