Host Factors in Defense against Bacterial and Fungal Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious and life-threatening infection caused by a variety of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. Antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria is increasing and necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutics. Fungal pneumonia is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised hosts, and even with treatment, mortality associated with infection is high. I undertook two studies to examine the role of host factors in defense against bacterial and fungal pneumonia. I first assessed the role of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) on mononuclear phagocytes during bacterial pneumonia. Second, I examined the ability of the gut microbiota to influence host defense against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. My findings suggest that host factors are critical in defense against bacterial and fungal pneumonia.