Laura Mike

📢 Today is the day. Final call for abstract-selected speakers!

Clinical relevance: K2 is a common serotype in neonatal sepsis and community-acquired (hvKp) and hospital-acquired (cKp) infections. Capsule property variations within this serotype affects pathogenesis.

Why it matters: Controlling for K2 serotype revealed that mucoidy, siderophores and macrophage evasion, NOT capsule abundance or complement resistance, distinguish hvKp bloodstream fitness. This suggests cell-mediated immunity (not just complement) is critical for controlling Kp bacteremia.

We found:
✅ hvKp more mucoid (uniform CPS chains)
✅ hvKp better evade macrophage association
✅ cKp have higher C3b deposition (but similar serum survival!)
✅ hvKp achieve higher spleen/liver burdens in vivo
✅ NO difference in capsule abundance, growth kinetics, or blood survival

Led by @emilykinney.bsky.social with contributions from Drew Stark, @microbiosaroj.bsky.social , Christine Teng, Tim Hand, and Will Bain and supported by ❤️ @americanheart.bsky.social ❤️

📢 Our latest paper is now in @infectionimmunity.bsky.social

We asked: How different are classical (cKp) vs hypervirulent (hvKp) Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream isolates if they are all the same K type (K2)?

📄 doi.org/10.1128/iai....

#KlebClub #MicroTwitter

We found:
✅ hvKp more mucoid (uniform CPS chains)
✅ hvKp better evade macrophage association
✅ cKp have higher C3b deposition (but similar serum survival!)
✅ hvKp achieve higher spleen/liver burdens in vivo
✅ NO difference in capsule abundance, growth kinetics, or blood survival

Led by @emilykinney.bsky.social with contributions from Drew Stark, @microbiosaroj.bsky.social , Christine Teng, Tim Hand, and Will Bain and supported by ❤️ @americanheart.bsky.social ❤️

Divergent roles for complement components C3 and C4 in controlling Klebsiella pneumoniae gut colonization and systemic dissemination | mBio Klebsiella pneumoniae, a major public health threat, resists antibiotics and can spread from the gut to the bloodstream, causing severe infections. Our study reveals how the immune system uses complement proteins C3 and C4 to block this spread. C3 limits bacterial growth in the gut through two potential mechanisms: (i) coating K. pneumoniae with fragments that signal bacteria-eating phagocytic cells to destroy it and (ii) recruiting more phagocytes into the gut. C3 also helps clear bacteria that escape into the blood. However, when antibiotic-resistant strains overgrow, C3 alone is insufficient. In these cases, C4 becomes critical, likely by enhancing C3’s ability to tag bacteria for elimination. This two-layered defense highlights new immune pathways that could be targeted to prevent bloodstream infections, especially in vulnerable patients or those colonized with drug-resistant bacteria. These insights open doors to innovative strategies against life-threatening Klebsiella infections.

journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...

Proud to see our work published in mBio!
We uncover how C3 and C4 provide layered immune protection against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Grateful for my incredible mentors Dr. Ammar Zafar @azmicro.bsky.social, Dr. Karen Haas and supportive colleagues.

🌟 Applications are accepted for UC San Diego RAPID program's 2026-27 cohort. This highly-rated and effective #FacultyDevelopment opportunity is for junior faculty researchers in #InfectiousDiseases.

👉 Learn more and apply today at rapid.ucsd.edu.
⏰ Deadline: Sunday, March 1

#UCSD_RAPID

✨If you have a story you would like to share with the community, please submit an abstract by Feb 16. ✨

3 weeks left to submit an abstract for the Klebsiella Seminar Series!
It is FREE, but registration is required.
#AMR #Microsky #UTIsky

sites.google.com/view/klebclu...

If you have any interest in Klebsiella, registration for the April seminar series is open. Abstract submission for short talks are due Feb 16. Looking forward to connecting this spring!
#klebclub2026

Hard to believe it’s already that time of year!
Our kick-off meeting for the Klebsiella Seminar Series just wrapped up. Stay tuned for more!
@lauraamike.bsky.social @olayarendueles.bsky.social @caityholmes.bsky.social @tomstantonmicro.bsky.social @juanvalenciabacca.bsky.social WenWen Low & Jay V.

Applications are now accepted for UC San Diego Raising Advancement and Parity for Infectious Disease Researchers (RAPID) Program. RAPID is a one-year, NIAID-sponsored research development and mentoring program, which includes in-depth training in grant writing for research-oriented junior faculty. Apply by March 1, 2026 @ http://rapid.ucsd.edu. The graphic includes the program logo and a photo of an aerial view of La Jolla Cove.

Applications for UC San Diego RAPID program's 2026-27 cohort are now open! This highly-rated and effective career development opportunity is for junior faculty researchers in #InfectiousDiseases.

Learn more and apply today at rapid.ucsd.edu!

#UCSD_RAPID #FacultyDevelopment

Job ad for Quantitative Microbe-Plant-Environment interactions position

Job ad for microbial drivers of chronic disease position

Come join us in Knoxville!

The Dept. of Microbiology 🧫🦠 at the University of Tennessee is hiring 2 Assistant Professors (tenure track, 9-month appt.).

Microbial Drivers of Chronic Disease: apply.interfolio.com/173153Quantitative Microbe-Plant-Environment Interactions: apply.interfolio.com/173345

Delighted that Pitt and the Jonas Salk team were recognized for its development of the polio vaccine with a @asm.org Milestones in Microbiology site!

It was my true honor to present this award last Friday on World Polio Day. Onwards towards eradication!

asm.org/press-releas...

he Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for a fulltime, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mycology, with a focus on plant pathogenic, symbiotic, or mycotoxigenic fungi and fungal-like organisms (e.g., oomycetes). We are looking for a highly motivated and creative scientist with a strong background in mycology and/or the biology of fungi and fungal-like organisms that interact with plants. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a world-class, externally funded research program that integrates both fundamental and applied aspects of fungal biology within the context of plant pathology. We welcome applicants pursuing a wide range of research topics related to plant-associated fungi, including but not limited to mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis or symbiosis with plants, population genomics and evolution of fungal plant pathogens, plant-associated fungal microbiomes and plant-microbe interactions, and/or one health approaches to fungal diseases and antifungal resistance. Applicants working in other relevant research areas involving pathogenic, symbiotic, or mycotoxigenic fungi or fungal-like organisms that affect plant health are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have significant opportunities for collaboration with faculty in plant pathology, microbiology, genomics, and agricultural sciences, and to contribute to addressing issues of importance to California’s agricultural and natural ecosystems. The appointee primary teaching responsibilities will be teaching Introductory Mycology, an upperdivision lab class, and SAS 30, Mushroom, Molds & Society, a general education class for non-majors. Additional graduate and undergraduate teaching responsibilities may be assigned based on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. The department offers modern instructional facilities, including a newly renovated teaching laboratory.

Please repost -- The Univ. California Davis dept of Plant Pathology is hiring a Fungal biologist / Mycologist

Applications due Dec 1

Application portal: recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07339

Screenshot shows part of the job posting (with alt-text of the same text)

Check out @julielebris.bsky.social’s thread on our latest manuscript describing phenotypic heterogeneity in capsule production in Klebsiella & Acinetobacter @klebclub.bsky.social

This work started when I was still in @pasteur.fr & got finished in @cbitoulouse.bsky.social
#microsky #phagesky

Thank you!

A white dog curled up on a fluffy black bed with her ball

Daisy is a healthy pup, but she's still pawsitively devoted to supporting animals' urinary health ❤️🐶

That's why our #UTIhour on October 14th (12EDT) is on veterinary #UTI!

Do you have a furry friend who supports urinary health? Post a photo and tag us or send it here to post

New publication from our lab, featuring Dr. Santosh Paudel’s work offers a refined cost-effective approach to study bacterial growth rates during infection @globaluti.bsky.social #UTIsky

Congratulations!!!

Microbiology professor, want to join a slack for microbiology professors, any career stage, diverse career types (pure teaching, med school, R1, community college, pure research fed PIs, ...)

Message me for an invite link if you are interested.

No imposter syndrome, if you are 1% micro, join!

Michael Patnode with Rachel Washburn, Jessica Aycock, and Mason Clark, winners of GRC MAST poster awards from Cell Press and FEMS

Congratulations to 2025 GRC Microbial Adhesion and Signal Transduction Poster Award Winners!! 🎆🥂🙌 Thank you @cp-cell.bsky.social and @femsmicro.org for sponsoring!

From,
Your secret judges 🤫

Tenure-track faculty search of the UCSF Biochemistry & Biophysics Department is open for applications!

We are looking for creative, innovative scientists asking fundamental questions in any area of biology.

Join our vibrant, collaborative, and supportive community!

aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05702

Infection and Immunity is now welcoming nominations for highly promising scientists at the assistant professor level (or equivalent) to submit research to the next New Voices in Microbiology Collection!

Please nominate by the August 18 deadline using the below link:
app.asm.org/account/logi...

High ward-level and within-sample diversity of Klebsiella pneumoniae on a Malawian neonatal unit revealed by single colony whole genome sequencing and post-enrichment metagenomics Klebsiella pneumoniae is a frequent cause of antimicrobial resistant healthcare associated infections in neonates across sub-Saharan Africa, with multiple lineages associated with neonatal sepsis. How...

First paper on our projects on #Klebsiella transmission in the hospital environment; I'm so lucky to get to work with the wonderful teams@ Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Program, Kamuzu University, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital🇲🇼
#MicroSky #IDSky #GlobalHealth 🧬💻🧪 (1/3)
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...

Molecular insights into the capsular polysaccharide transporter Wza-Wzc complex Capsular polysaccharides (CPS), which form the protective outer capsule surrounding many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, are critical virulence determinants. Their biosynthesis is primarily carried...

Former Marlovits postdoc Biao has a new preprint out! He managed to capture the CPS transporter Wza-Wzc with the inner and outer membrane components bound together, in various states of (dis)assembly.

#MicroSky #CryoEM

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Known effects of arginine on Gram-positive and Gram-negative behavior

It's seem like arginine is emerging as a major host cue. So we wrote an IAI minireview on how arginine levels vary between host tissues and affect microbial behavior.

The review is online today!
journals.asm.org/doi/epdf/10....

@brookeeryan3.bsky.social

#microsky