Leibniz INFECTIONS PhD student Alicia Konrath spent several days at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute in Jena. She learned about new methods and infection assays for her research on Aspergillus fumigatus whilst working in Prof. Axel Brakhage’s Molecular and Applied Microbiology research group. The visit also provided an opportunity to forge valuable scientific contacts and gain new perspectives for her PhD project.
As part of her PhD research at the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Alicia Konrath is investigating the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This environmental bacterium can cause infections, particularly in people with certain pre-existing conditions, and exhibits a high level of resistance to many common antibiotics. Furthermore, S. maltophilia can form biofilms, including on medical devices and catheters. A particular focus of her research is on people with cystic fibrosis. S. maltophilia is regularly isolated from lung samples taken from those affected. Alicia is therefore investigating how the bacterium interacts with lung epithelial cells. At the same time, she is interested in its interaction with the mould Aspergillus fumigatus, which can also play an important role in people with cystic fibrosis.
For this part of her research, Alicia was able to gain practical experience in working with A. fumigatus and familiarise herself with various infection assays during her stay in Jena. She can now apply this newly acquired methodological knowledge to her future research work. This visit demonstrates the added value offered by collaboration within the research network: researchers can share expertise and methods across institutional boundaries, establish new collaborations and work together on complex issues in infection research.
The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI) in Jena ©Alicia Konrath
Alicia’s workplace in Jena ©Alicia Konrath
Aspergillus fumigatus spores and macrophage Phagocytosis Assay ©Alicia Konrath