Jonathan Nzakizwanayo

My research interests focus on host-microbe interactions and the study of pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of bacterial infections.

My emphasis is on elucidating host-microbe interactions in probiotic bacteria by investigating mechanisms of interactions in modulation of epithelial cell health, and in neurotransmitter signalling in the gut.

Another area of my research interest is in studying pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention of Medical device associated infections. A particular focus on catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and the use of bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) therapy to control these infections. Furthermore I am studying the role of efflux systems in bacterial virulence and pathogenesis in CAUTI; efflux systems are target for development of antimicrobial agents.

In addition, I have been interested in studying pathogenesis and diagnosis of wound infections using novel ex vivo wound models, quantification of bacterial toxin gene expression, and use of third generation genome sequencing techniques for early detection of infection.