My PhD thesis defined the role of the Streptococcus pneumoniae capsule on pneumococcal interactions with complement factors and phagocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that resistance to complement mediated immunity is associated with capsular serotype - relatively invasive strains of pneumococcus are more resistant to complement than weakly invasive strains. This demonstrated one mechanism by which serotype-dependent differences in effects on immunity may explain variation in virulence between pneumococcal strains.

I am currently undertaking research examining trends in adult pneumonia, specifically how S. pneumoniae disease may be changing in response to vaccination and the subsequent consequences for healthcare delivery. I am interested in respiratory infection and the consequences of acute viral and bacterial infection for affected individuals, as well as improving clinical care and outcomes for this patient group.