“After looking at several graduate programs, Wake Forest became my first choice school. I was impressed with the effort put forth to retain my interest and answer any questions I had about the program. In addition, the atmosphere of the department was one in which I felt I would enjoy completing my graduate study.”

Role of Phosphorylcholine in the persistence of non-typeable Haemophilus influenza

Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative bacterium that exists exclusively in humans. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) strains are predominant in asymptomatic carriage and localized opportunistic disease. One of the most prominent features of the NTHi surface is a diverse population of lipooligosaccharide endotoxins. NTHi lipooligosaccharides contain host glycolipid structures including phosphorylcholine (ChoP). My data show that ChoP+ endotoxins elicit lesser host innate responses than ChoP- endotoxins. The purpose of my project is to define how ChoP contributes to persistence in the host.