Amanda Lewis, Ph.D.
Bacteria, Glycobiology, and Women's Health
The Vaginal Microbiome
The composition of bacteria in the human vagina has been linked to health and disease. Our lab builds experimental models to understand how vaginal bacteria interact with each other and the host and how these events lead to colonization and pathophysiology.
Gardnerella vaginalis
Gardnerella is one of the most abundant bacteria in the vagina during a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
In multiple mouse models, of co-inoculation, we show that Gardnerella supports colonization by other bacteria and triggers other pathogens to exhibit more virulent characteristics.
Sialic acids in biology
and disease
Sialic acids and related carbohydrates are rich at mucosal surfaces and are involved in many host-microbe interactions. We investigate processes in sialic acid evolution, biology, and disease, with an emphasis on infection and the microbiome.
