Introduction

Respiratory tract infections are a common health problem and cause 2-3 millions medical care visits per year only in Sweden. The three most frequently isolated pathogenic bacteria in these infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Today a vaccine against pneumococci is included in the general immunization program for children in Sweden. Our research is focused on Haemophilus and Moraxella and their interactions with the human host. In addition, we study Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a respiratory pathogen causing tremendous problems in immunocompromised individuals. We are particularly interested in identifying adherence molecules, both on the bacterial side and human counterpart, which are used to initiate colonization and subsequently infection. In addition, we are studying the precise mechanisms bacteria use to avoid or induce the human immune system in the respiratory tract. Several by us characterized bacterial outer membrane proteins are considered promising vaccine candidates. The main beneficiaries for a future vaccine are expected to be the very young or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis (CF).

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