We study the molecular epidemiology and population structure of the main pathogens causing meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and of Chlamydia species causing respiratory infections and sexual transmitted disease. In addition, we study the pathogenesis of meningococcal and invasive pneumococcal disease. We are particularly interested in the bacterial stress response and its regulation by small RNAs (ribo-regulation) in conjunction with alternative sigma factors like sigmaE.
In collaborative studies with Dr. D. van de Beek (Department of Neurology, AMC) we investigate clinical aspects of bacterial meningitis as well correlation between clinical features, outcome and host and bacterial factors.