University of Gothenburg
University of Gothenburg
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  4. Astrid von Mentzer

Astrid von Mentzer

Researcher

Department of Microbiology and
Immunology
Mail
astrid.von.mentzer@gu.se
Visiting address
Medicinaregatan 7 A
41390 Göteborg
Postal address
Box 435
40530 Göteborg

About Astrid von Mentzer

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a bacterial pathogen which causes diarrheal illness in low-income countries lacking access to clean water and fundamental sanitation. ETEC is one of the major causes of diarrhea in developing countries and, consequently deaths among both children and adults.

My research project involves both genomic analyses and experimental methods to study this highly variable pathogen. Using genomics I study the population structure of ETEC and investigate how pathogenic ETEC strains may arise and are spread. In addition, using sequencing I investigate both known and novel virulence factors, mainly proteins involved in attachment of the bacteria to the human intestine, which can be used as a basis for future vaccine research. Two approaches to identify and characterize novel adhesive proteins using both genomics and experimental methods as been developed.