Damon Runyon Researchers

Many types of cancer, chemotherapy, and numerous other underlying conditions can leave patients vulnerable to infection by bacteria that would normally be unable to survive in the body. These opportunistic infections are challenging to treat, as antibiotics are often ineffective against these pathogens or have serious side effects not well-tolerated by individuals with underlying conditions. Dr. Sullivan studies how opportunistic infections occur, with a particular focus on lung infection. His ongoing work is centered on identifying bacterial adaptations that enable pathogens to survive both the host defense systems present in the lung as well as antibiotic treatment. His work will help deepen our understanding of opportunistic infection and may provide novel avenues for more effective and tolerable treatment of these pathogens.