Scott E. Gygax, Ph.D. MDL Antimicrobial Resistance Division Head
Ph.D. Graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Program at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Studied the DNA Damage Response of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans.
Antimicrobial Resistance Division: Research and Development Department
Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem today in which early detection and susceptibility of a pathogen could dictate the proper course of treatment and outcome of infection. Our group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in antimicrobial resistance in addition to developing novel molecular diagnostic tests to identify susceptibility in bacterial and fungal pathogens. Currently our research interests involve Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida glabrata. Specifically, we are investigating the mechanisms involved in penicillin tolerance and the regulation of the virulence factor CylE in GBS, a gram-positive bacterium. This opportunistic pathogen is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in neonates and recently has presented itself as an emerging pathogen in the elderly. We are also developing a molecular assay for the identification and classification of Methicillin Susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Community Acquired-MRSA as well as investigate the association of these isolates with GBS. MRSA is a major cause of hospital and community acquired infections, which has a large impact on our health system. The fungal pathogen project involves investigating the mechanisms of azole resistance among Candida species, in particular Candida glabrata. Candida infections, in particular C. albicans and C. glabrata, are the leading cause of fungal infections that can affect both healthy (yeast infections in women) and immune compromised (patients with HIV/AID or undergoing chemotherapeutic or immune suppressive therapy) individuals. Investigating the antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in both bacteria and fungi can lead to improve diagnostics and potential targets for new antimicrobial compounds.
• Post-doctoral work at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. Studied the contribution of mitochondrial respiration to filamentation/morphogenesis in the fungal pathogen, Candida albicans.
• Extensive experience with molecular, genetic, and cellular techniques.
• Currently investigating the genetic factors that contribute to antimicrobial resistance of important gynecological specimens and developing new clinical diagnostic assays. Organisms currently under investigation include Group B Streptococcus, Staphylococcus spp, Enterococcus spp., Candida spp, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Health Professions, Department of Bioscience Technologies.
• Member of the American Society for Microbiology, Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of ASM, and the Association for Molecular Pathology
Representative Publications
- Gygax SE, Schuyler JA, Trama JP, Mordechai E, Adelson ME. 2007. The detection of erythromycin and clindamycin resistance genes in both Group B Streptococcal clinical isolates and cervicovaginal/rectal swabs. Microb Drug Resist, 13(2):119-123.
- Gygax SE, Schuyler JA, Kimmel LE, Trama JP, Mordechai E, Adelson, ME. 2006. Erythromycin and clindamycin resistance in Group B Streptococcal clinical isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 50(5):1875-7.
- Gygax SE, Vermitsky JP, Self MJ, Mordechai E, Adelson ME, Trama JP. 2008. Antifungal resistance in vaginal Candida clinical isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, manuscript under review.