Monica Embers, Ph.D.
Study (2023): "Bartonella Detection and Treatment in Infection-Associated Microenvironments"
Bartonella infections can be very challenging to treat. This project aims to determine whether Bartonella remain outside cells, hide within cells, or accumulate in biofilms when they invade the brain and heart of patients. Where the Bartonella reside in tissues may influence how sensitive or resistant they are to antibiotics. Dr. Monica Embers will validate molecular tools that will specifically visualize Bartonella when present in patient tissues and determine which antibiotic combinations are most effective at killing Bartonella when they are inside cells or in biofilms. The treatments they will test will include doxycycline, gentamicin, rifampin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and A-Bart. An important outcome of this study will be identification of drug combinations that can kill Bartonella, even when they are inside cells or in biofilms. Such knowledge will yield more effective treatment strategies for patients with chronic Bartonellosis.
