Ying Zhang, MD

My research interests are focused on mechanisms of drug resistance and persistence in in different bacterial pathogens including M. tuberculosis, B. burgdorferi, E. coli, S. aureus etc. MDR/XDR-TB is an increasing public health problem and poses a significant threat to the disease control. One third of the world population is latently infected with the tubercle bacillus and HIV infection threatens to allow the latent TB to reactivate and worsen the TB situation. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of persistence and drug resistance, devising more rapid diagnostic tools, as well as developing drugs and vaccines that are active against drug-resistant and persister bacteria are important for better control of TB. For more details, see http://magazine.jhsph.edu/2007/Spring/features/patient_scientist/

We are also studying the persistence problem of Borrelia burgdorferi and develop more effective treatment. In addition, we have collaborative projects to study (1) MDR-TB/XDR-TB transmission and fitness and improved treatment in patients; (2) rapid molecular diagnostic tests and vaccine development; (3) cancer stem cells.

Areas of Interest: 1. Mechanisms of persister drug pyrazinamide (PZA) action and resistance in M. tuberculosis 2. Mechanisms of bacterial persistence and L-forms 3. Mycobacterial pathogenesis 4. Development of novel drugs and vaccines targeting persistent bacterial infections including TB and Lyme disease 5. Development of novel diagnostic tools for improved detection of TB and Lyme 6. Cancer stem cell mechanisms and drugs