I am researching to find small molecules that can be developed into new drugs against infections. Specifically, I focus on molecules that have an effect on chlamydia bacteria.
Chlamydia are significant human pathogens, causing infertility and blindness globally. There are more than 100 million annual cases of sexually transmitted C. trachomatis worldwide and almost as many people receive treatment for trachoma, a blinding eye infection. Treatment options are limited to broad-spectrum antibiotics that select for antibiotic resistance in other human pathogenic bacteria. Chlamydia readily develop resistance to antibiotics in vitro and it may become a clinical problem.
The goal of my research is to identify small molecules that can be further developed into new drugs against infections. The project can ultimately lead to new treatment options for Chlamydia and for other infections. At the same time, it can reduce the development of resistance and prevent globally occurring disabling diseases.