Streptococcus agalactiae culture on Granada agar and blood agar. © University of Tours, MEREGHETTI Laurent

Bacteria and maternal/fœtal risk

Team leader: Philippe Lanotte - Deputy team leader: Émilie Camiade

Streptococcus agalactiae culture on Granada agar and blood agar. © University of Tours, MEREGHETTI Laurent

Research

Our research work address Streptococcus agalactiae, a commensal bacterium from genital and gut. It is a major pathogen of public health concern because it is the main bacteria responsible of neonatal diseases and has recently emerged as pathogen in older and in immunosuppressed people. Our work extends from epidemiological analyses of neonatal S. agalactiae infections to decipher some molecular mechanisms involved in the virulence and adaptation of this bacterium. To this end, we are exploring:
> the role of phages in evolution of S. agalactiae, the role and the specificity of  CRISPR/cas system among different S. agalactiae phyla; 
> the significance of sugar metabolism and metal acquisition systems in the bacterium's adaptation to its environment;
> the role of small RNAs in bacterial physiology and virulence.

More recently we've been developing alternatives to conventional antibiotics to manage theses infections. We are also studying relationships between S. agalactiae and vaginal microbiota in order to identify the mechanisms that enable the bacteria to adapt to this particular environment.

Publications

Pubmed since 2012

Team

Scientific staff :
Camiade Émilie
Gilot Philippe
Hiron Aurélia
Lanotte Philippe
Lartigue Marie-Frédérique
Mereghetti Laurent
Morello Éric
Pastuszka Adeline
Valentin-Domelier Anne-Sophie
van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie

Technicians :
Rong Vanessa

PhD students :
Eddebbarh Enzo
Gerber Victoria
Jamard Simon
Le Gallou Brice
Melet Morgane
Moutardier Léa
Moussounda Mesmin