David Speert
FRCPC, MD
Investigator Emeritus, Centre for Understanding and Preventing Infection in Children, BC Children's Hospital
Babies born to HIV-infected mothers are usually not infected themselves, escape from infection being enhanced by anti-retroviral therapy in mother and infant around the time of delivery. A pilot cohort study in collaboration with colleagues at Stellenbosch University in South Africa has confirmed the enhanced morbidity of HEU babies, and immunological studies are beginning to unravel some of the causes. A larger cohort study is planned to commence in 2011 and will explore in greater depth the preliminary observations made during the pilot study. This collaborative interaction has provided opportunities for trainees from both South Africa and Canada to gain experience in advanced innate immunology and in international health.
This research, funded by Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the British Columbia Lung Association, is directed at gaining a clearer understanding of the pathogenesis of lung infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex. Specific areas of research include analysis of biofilm formation/quorum sensing, evaluation of mechanisms of evasion of normal host defence mechanisms and molecular epidemiology for analysis of possible patient-to-patient spread.
This research, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Bacterial Diseases Network, is directed at gaining a clearer understanding of the host pattern recognition mechanisms for host defence of the lung against inhaled pathogens. Work is focussed on macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and dendritic cells and the role of specific receptor-ligand interactions.
Ivory Tower Award, presented by the Paediatric Residents for teaching, UBC - 2008
Sauder Family Chair, UBC - 2007
Team leader, Research Team of Distinction, Dept. of Pediatrics, UBC - 2004
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