Translational microbiomics
microbiome, translational
Research aim
Our aim is to translate human microbiome knowledge to improved diagnostic tests and clinical interventions by incorporating systems biology into clinical epidemiological studies, conducting mechanistic laboratory studies, and linking the two.
About us
Human microbiome research is changing infection paradigms. Common clinical conditions, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infection, are no longer believed to be caused by only one micro-organism but by the interplay between multiple micro-organisms. Furthermore, many of these micro-organisms are often present in the body without causing disease. They only cause disease in specific circumstances, such as increased micro-organism load, a switch to a higher pathogenic state, or relocation to a less immunotolerant body niche; or when the host becomes immunocompromised. In addition, the host immune system does not always respond appropriately, potentially resulting in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Our group consists of laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, and clinicians who primarily work on diseases that involve interactions between micro-organisms and between micro-organisms and the host. We work with diverse patient populations, including patients with primary immunodeficiencies or IMIDs. Current research includes the role of the female reproductive tract microbiome in preterm birth; improving the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections; interactions between viruses and bacteria in respiratory tract infections; the role of the gut microbiome in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases; and host-microbiota interactions. We also study the performance of novel diagnostic tests and the effects of novel interventions.