|
|  |  Amber M. Smith |
Home  |
| CV
| Contact Information
|
Amber M. Smith
Theoretical Biology and Biophysics
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Phone: 505-665-4662
e-mail:asmith@lanl.gov
|
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.
Collaborators:
Affiliations:
| Publications
- A.M. Smith and R.M. Ribeiro (2009). Modeling the Viral Dynamics of Influenza A Virus Infection. Crit Rev Immunol (accepted).
| Teaching at the University of Utah (2003-2009)
| Other Links
Mathematical Biology at Utah
Adler Lab
Presentations in LaTeX: the Beamer
class
Colorado School of Mines
|