Kate Whyte

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a bacterium responsible for high global morbidity and mortality. These bacteria can cause a range of localised and invasive infections, including of the ear, blood, brain, and lungs. Understanding how the pneumococcus has adapted to cause different disease types could identify new ways to treat or prevent these diseases.

As part of the Brazel and Sheppard Labs, I focus on the genetics and behaviour of S. pneumoniae isolates collected from patients with various types of infections. A collaboration with the German National Reference Centre for Streptococci has enabled our lab to have access to a large collection of pneumococcal  isolates that were isolated in Germany between 2003 to 2019. The aim of my project is to investigate these clinical isolates to define the genetic and molecular features that influence their behaviour and disease phenotype.

Primarily, I work on isolates collected from the middle ear fluid of paediatric patients diagnosed with ear infections (otitis media). S. pneumoniae is one of the most common bacterial causes of otitis media in children and whilst these infections often resolve without intervention, in some cases, they can be persistent and challenging to treat. The isolates within the collection can be further categorised and I am currently focussing on those classed as Serotype 3. This is a clinically relevant serotype in otitis media and is a serotype of concern due to its association with significant vaccine escape.