Staphylococcus aureus – from commensal to killer bug

Andreas Peschel's research focuses on the interactions of bacteria within microbiomes, particularly those of the nose and skin. He also investigates the interactions between members of these microbiomes and the host. Based on a better understanding of these microbial communities, the goal is to develop new therapeutic approaches and more effectively combat infections in the future.

Andreas Peschel's research group focuses primarily on the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and its interaction with the host, both during asymptomatic colonization of the nose and during an infection. His research focuses on teichoic acids – the cell wall components of Gram-positive bacteria – and the mechanisms by which S. aureus can evade the host's immune defenses. In his studies, he discovered two antibiotic substances – epifadin and lugdunin – both of which are produced by staphylococci. Lugdunin is produced by the bacterium S. lugdunensis, which is found in the nose. The antibiotic substance epifadin is produced by the bacterium S. epidermidis. Both substances are effective against multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus (MRSA).

Ort: Lecture Hall Q, ACME Office, Institute of Med. Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology Hannover

Zeit: 29.10.2026, 13:00 Uhr

Host: Prof. Dirk Schlüter