Faculty

Alfredo Torres, PhD

Associate Professor
Co-Director of BSL-3 Labs
altorres@utmb.edu
MRB, Route 1070
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Phone: (409)747-0189
Fax: (409)747-6869

Coordinator — LACER Group

Education:	PhD | 1999 | University of Texas at Austin
	MS | 1995 | B Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Mexico
	BS | 1992 | B Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Mexico

Overview

Diarrheal pathogens, mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, biodefense-related microorganisms.

Research Interests

Dr. Torres is interested in the mechanisms used by diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains to adhere to and colonize intestinal epithelia. Our major goal is the characterization of novel adhesins and the regulatory network controlling their expression during intestinal colonization. His laboratory is also studying a new category of E. coli known as Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC). We have recently completed the genome sequence of our prototype AIEC strain and now we are establishing whether specific virulence factors are associated with chronic inflammation of the intestine. Further, his laboratory has initiated a new area of investigation to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei, and currently, we are characterizing the type III secretion system, and testing multiple virulence factors as vaccine candidates to protect against aerosol infection.

Recent Publications

Search PubMed Database for Publications

• UTMB Home Page
• Department Faculty
• Faculty by Alphabet
  • A - C
  • D - G
  • H - O
  • P - Z
• Faculty by Discipline
• Faculty by Rank
• Online Ordering System
  • Electronic Ordering Form
• Travel Questionnaire