Assoc Professor Sandy Smith
Research:
Associate Professor Smith's research covers three areas of clinical microbiology which includes the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, the pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of opportunistic mycoses and the potential use of vaccines in the control of ringworm infection. Research associated with the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria has included the laboratory detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and the acquisition of quinolone resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The latter project entails a study of cell wall changes in laboratory derived quinolone resistant mutants of P. aeruginosa, and the possible role of such abnormalities in quinolone resistance. Studies on the laboratory diagnosis of opportunistic mycoses have included the use of antibody and antigen detection procedures for candidosis and aspergillosis and the strain identification/biotyping of medically important fungi such as Candida albicans. The development of a ringworm vaccine is in the initial phases and consists of identifying and characterising immunodominant antigens of the dermatophyte Microsporum canis.
Other Activities:
Published the book "Opportunistic Mycoses of Man and Other Animals", C.A.B. International, England, 1989; Consultant in Microbiology at Dunedin Public Hospital; past chairman, Scientific Committee, Otago Medical Research Foundation; Vice President International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, 1988-91; Associate Editor, Journal of Medical and Veterinary Mycology; member executive Western Pacific Society for Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy since 1989; member Pathology committee, Part I examining board, RACS since 1989; recipient Australian Society for Microbiology Mycology Award for career accomplishments in Medical Mycology, 1992; recipient Australasian Federation for Medical and Veterinary Mycology Award for meritorious contributions to medical and veterinary Mycology, 1994.