The major focus of our laboratory is the investigation of strategies used by bacteria to cause diseases in humans. We study various bacteria and their factors, especially surface polysaccharides and other potential adhesins, and assess their effect on the virulence and physiology of the bacterium as well as on host cells. Our general approach is to construct and characterize bacterial mutants and monitor these for relevant phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and in in vivo and in vitro models of infection. The goal is to develop rational strategies to disrupt virulence and promote clearance of infecting bacteria.