Oishei Grant Will Support UB Research on Staphylococcus

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A $690,500 grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation will support the research of two professors in the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Alan J. Lesse, M.D., associate professor of medicine, pharmacology and toxicology, and microbiology, and Joseph M. Mylotte, M.D., professor of medicine, have received the funds to conduct a three-year study of an anticipated 900 episodes of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia (SAB) at three hospitals: Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General and Sisters.

They will be collaborating with Steven R. Gill, Ph.D., associate professor of oral biology in the UB School of Dental Medicine and a member of the Infectious Disease and Genomics Group in UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences.

The study is called "A Population-based Study of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia (SAB) in Western New York." The project reflects the university's strategic focus on clinical sciences and experimental medicine, as outlined in the UB 2020 plan. SAB, a serious and common human infection, is a major public health problem primarily related to health care, but no longer confined to intensive care units, acute care hospitals, or any health care institution.

"The study is a unique, multi-center, population-based study of SAB," said Lesse. "Ours is a preliminary, state-of-the-art analysis of the current clinical and molecular epidemiology of SAB on a population basis that will add significant data to the literature and complement the ongoing work of other investigations. The expertise of Dr. Steven Gill and the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences will allow a highly detailed analysis of the contribution of microbial virulence factors to the risk of complications."

He continued: "Because the frequency of SAB is so high and the number of cases is large in Western New York, we can accurately sample and rapidly report our experience in the literature at a time of significant change occurring in S. aureus."

"We are grateful for the John R. Oishei Foundation's support of the study, which will provide preliminary data for seeking federal funds for a larger population-based study of SAB in Western New

York," said Michael E. Cain, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. "By establishing the clinical and molecular epidemiology of SAB and providing a model for predicting complication risk, this research can help inform the development of prevention strategies and treatment options."

The John R. Oishei Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, health care, scientific research and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities. The School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Public Health and Health Professions are the five schools that constitute UB's Academic Health Center.