Professor Roberto La Ragione

Many species of bacteria are associated with clinical disease in animals and humans and some bacterial pathogens are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to humans). The research interests of Roberto's group focus on understanding the detailed mechanisms that bacterial pathogens of veterinary and medical importance employ in order to colonise the host. Through a greater understanding of the pathobiology of these economically important pathogens the group hopes to develop novel intervention strategies.

Host-microbe interactions

Much of his group's research has focused on in vitro characterisation of host-microbe interactions in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies. In order to accurately study these interactions in greater detail appropriate models are necessary. In the laboratory the group has developed a number of novel models, but specifically 3D cell culture, in vitro gut models and in vitro organ culture which have facilitated the accurate recreation of the host environment in vitro. His research was the first to report on porcine and murine 3D cell culture and In Vitro Organ Culture (IVOC) for use in the study of pre and probiotics. The models have also enabled the study of a number of pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridia, Brachyspira, Yersinia and fastidious viruses.

Antimicrobial resistance

Roberto's research focuses on understanding how AMR develops and what influences the transmission dynamics of AMR between human and animal pathogens, and recent studies have focused on the role of AMR in the fitness of pathogens. Roberto's group is also developing a number of rapid diagnostic platforms to rapidly diagnose infections and determine the antibiotic resistance profile of pathogens to improve prescribing practices.

Development of alternatives to antibiotics

Roberto's research has focused specifically on elucidating the mechanisms by which pre and probiotics elicit their effect. Thus far these studies have demonstrated that pre and probiotics act in a complex dynamic with the microbe and the host, regulating both at the molecular level. Thus, these studies have revolutionised how the scientific community studies pre and probiotics, and has led to vastly improved formulations, some of which are now commercially available worldwide. Roberto's group are also focusing on understanding the changes that occur to the gut microbiome during health and disease.

Avian colibacillosis

His research has focused on elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms by which avian E. coli cause disease in poultry. These studies have revealed that a number of surface exposed organelles are important for pathogenesis and furthermore that avian pathogenic E.-coli (APEC) are closely related to the human pathogen UPEC responsible for urinary tract infections. His group developed the first commercial APEC vaccine which has had international success.

Avian intestinal spirochaetosis

Roberto's research has focused on revealing the virulence factors of Brachyspira, developing in vitro models for studying infection dynamics and the development of intervention studies. Present studies are aimed at understanding the UK prevalence of Brachyspira in laying flocks and the development of rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. His group has is also heavily involved in correlating genotype with phenotype in host restricted and non-host restricted Brachyspira species.

Salmonella

Much of his group’s research in this area has been aimed at furthering the understanding of the pathobiology of Salmonella through linking genomic features with phenotype. Roberto's group also has also been sentinel in the development and validation of vaccines for livestock. The work undertaken by his group has contributed significantly to the reduction in Salmonella in livestock and humans. The group also has an interest in new and emerging pathotypes of Salmonella, and linking genotype to phenotype using NGS and Biolog platforms.

E. coli

The primary aim of his research has been to elucidate the pathobiology of these fascinating organisms and to develop potential intervention strategies such as recombinant antibodies expressed in plants. Roberto's group was the first to describe the colonisation characteristics of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in poultry, pigs, sheep and goats together with describing the role of key colonisation factors in these species. His group was also the first to associate O157:H7 infection with Cryptosporidium in small ruminants. Collectively these studies have led to a greater understanding of the specific colonisation sites of AEEC in animals and thus the implementation of control strategies