Abe lab／International Research Center for Infectious Diseases  Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis

Worldwide rapid dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is staggering, and the number of deaths associated with AMR is estimated to exceed that of deaths due to cancers in the near future unless the global response is mounted. There is no doubt that antimicrobial use itself is a direct cause of antimicrobial resistance, but it is still challenging to diagnose bacterial infections and use antimicrobials appropriately in current clinical settings. Our goal is to contribute to better diagnostics and treatment guidelines by revealing the interrelationships among pathogens, host immunity, and antimicrobial agents.

Inter-Individual Differences in Plasma Bactericidal Factors and Strain-Specific Resistance against Plasma

Bacterial bloodstream infections result from complex interactions between bacteria and host immunity. Daily asymptomatic or transient bacteremia are known to spontaneously resolve without sequelae in healthy individuals. However, a dysregulated host response to the invading bacteria can cause bloodstream infections that are associated with a high mortality rate. We will study the humoral and bacterial factors that cause such inter-individual and inter-strain heterogeneity. Additionally, we will analyze how such factors are associated with the onset and severity of bacterial infections.

Inter-Relationships among Pathogens, Host Immunity, and Antimicrobial Agents

Currently, in clinical practice, antimicrobial susceptibility tests measure the inhibition of bacterial growth by antimicrobials in artificial nutrient media, and therefore, host factors are not evaluated. Our goal is to establish an antimicrobial susceptibility test that evaluates the trio of host factors, pathogens, and antimicrobial agents with higher resolution.

Dissemination of Carbapenem Resistance in Thailand

Our laboratory is conducting collaborative research with the Section of Bacterial Drug Resistance Research of the Japan-Thailand Research Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections. We are using carbapenem-resistant bacteria collected in Thailand and genome sequencing data of all the isolates (> 2000 isolates) to investigate the mechanisms of dissemination, virulence, and enhanced resistance.