Faculty

Megan May

Assistant Professor

Research Interests:

My research interests focus on an unusual group of parasitic bacteria, the genus Mycoplasma. These interests are quite diverse, and include projects based on: Evolutionary drivers of virulence in Mycoplasma synoviae; the logistical impact of disease caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Mycoplasma hominis on the human population; the contribution of interspecies horizontal transfer of glycosidase genes to the emergence of novel pathogenic mycoplasmas; comparative genomics between the hypervirulent Mycoplasma alligatoris and the mildly virulent Mycoplasma crocodyli, and between strains of Mycoplasma canis from different mammalian hosts; the use of mycoplasmas as a tool for characterizing novel antimicrobials; developing infection models for Mycoplasma amphoriforme and Mycoplasma canis, and characterizing the pathology associated with disease; Investigating the role of M. canis in idiopathic diseases of bats and dogs; opportunistic sampling of humans, livestock, or wildlife during suspected outbreaks of mycoplasmosis.

Recent Publications:

M. May, D.R. Brown. Improve evolutionary forecasting by examining both sides of the coin. Science. 2010; In Press.

M. May, D.R. Brown. Diversifying and stabilizing selection of sialidase and N-acetylneuraminate catabolism in Mycoplasma synoviae. J Bacteriol. 2009; 191(11):3588-93.

M. May, D.R. Brown. Secreted sialidase activity of canine mycoplasmas. Vet Microbiol. 2009; 137(3-4):380-3.

M. May, D.R. Brown. Genetic variation in vialidase and linkage to N-acetylneuraminate catabolism in Mycoplasma synoviae. Microb Pathog. 2008; 45(1): 38-44.