Matthew C. Surdel, PhD

The Surdel laboratory focuses on pathogenic Leptospira species, which are gram-negative spirochetes and the causative agents of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonosis that disproportionately affects resource-poor parts of the world. The goal of the Surdel laboratory is to identify and define the mechanisms that pathogenic bacteria utilize to bind host cells and ligands. This work will provide novel insight into the ability of Leptospira to colonize and cause disease within the host, and ultimately help guide the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines.