Professor Ben Adler

Ben Adler
Professor of Microbiology
Contact details:
Telephone: +61 (0)3 9905 4815
Facsimile: +61 (3) 9905 4811
Email: ben.adler@med.monash.edu.au

Career

I completed a BSc in microbiology and biochemistry at Monash University. Then after periods with the National Health Institute, New Zealand and as a Research Assistant with the National Health & Medical Research Council I completed a PhD at Monash on antigens and pathogenesis of Leptospira. After 3 years as an NH&MRC Senior Research Officer I was appointed as Lecturer in Microbiology and then subsequently as Senior Lecturer and Reader before accepting a personal chair in Microbiology at Monash..

In the mid 1980s I also managed to complete a BA degree in Japanese (with minors in French and German) and I reckon I can hold my own in conversation in more than eight languages and ask for a beer in at least ten more!. Mind you, this has probably been helped by my background which contains some Romanian, Slovakian and German as well as others I don't know about!. Language ability has also been of assistance in pursuing my interests of science, travel, and enjoyment of good food, red wine and Guinness. Along the way I've worked as a Visiting Scientist at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan, at the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands and at the Institute for Public Health and Environment, The Netherlands. My current research interests focus on molecular approaches to vaccine development and to understanding pathogenesis and immunity in bacterial infections. Since 1986 I've been a member of the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Leptospira of the IUMS and am currently Chairman of the WHO Expert Working Party on Leptospiral Vaccines. 

Research Projects

Molecular basis for immunity in leptospirosis

Shadowed electron micrograph of Leptospira	Outer membrane proteome of L. interrogans serovar Lai

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide significance caused by infection with serovars of the genus Leptospira. Work involves the detailed analysis of leptospiral antigens, especially those with potential roles in immunity and vaccine development. DNA cloning and other molecular techniques are applied in order to produce antigens for molecular and functional analysis. A major component involves the molecular characterisation and expression of LPS biosynthetic genes because LPS is a key antigen involved in immunity to infection. The second main approach involves proteomics and mass spectrometry to identify and characterise leptospiral surface proteins with roles in pathogenesis and immunity to infection. In a collaborative project with Pfizer Animal Health we are using the recently obtained genome sequence of serovar Hardjo for vaccine development.

The Monash University Leptospira Laboratory also performs a diagnostic function for human leptospirosis.

The International Leptospirosis Society home page provides further information and useful links on leptospirosis.

Research staff: Dr David Hoke (NHMRC), Dr Dieter Bulach (ARC), Dr Miranda Lo (ARC), Dr Gerald Murray (NHMRC).

Postgraduate student: Rebekah Henry

Thin section electron micrograph of Pasteurella showing extracellular capsule

Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of fowl cholera, bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia, and porcine atrophic rhinitis. Two aspects of infection are currently being investigated. Genetic loci involved in virulence are being identified and analysed by cloning, mutagenesis, sequencing etc in order to determine their roles in pathogenesis at the molecular level. There is a particular focus on in vivo expressed genes; we have established genetic systems to detect these genes. The second component concerns vaccine development. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are used to characterise antigens and to assess their roles in immunity. Genes encoding membrane proteins and the surface polysaccharide capsule are being cloned for detailed analysis. In addition, genetically manipulated mutants are being assessed for their potential as live, attenuated vaccines. A part of this work is a joint project with Veterinary Pathology University of Queensland and veterinary institutes in Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Also have a look at the home page of my friend and colleague Carmel Ruffolo with whom collaboration on P. multocida membrane proteins continues.

Research staff:Dr John Boyce (ARC), Dr Marina Harper (ARC), Dr Keith Al-Hasani (ARC)

Postgraduate students: Jason Steen, Tamas Hatfaludi

Vaccine development in swine dysentery

In conjunction with Dr Darren Trott, University of Queensland, and Intervet International , The Netherlands, we are undertaking a molecular analysis of surface proteins of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the causative agent of swine dysentery. The emphasis is on membrane proteins which are recognised by the host antibody response and their potential as vaccine candidate antigens.

Research Staff: Dr Scott Coutts, (ARC)

Postgraduate student: Tim Witchell (Australian Pork Ltd)

Pathogenesis and immunity in meliodosis

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the cause of meliodosis in tropical regions. We are interested in molecular aspects of pathogenesis and in collaboration with James Cook University, Townsville, we are developing a signature tagged mutagenesis system for the identification of genes required for growth in vivo. We are also applying a proteomics approach to the analysis of B. pseudomallei outer membrane components.

Research Staff: Dr Meabh Cullinane(NHMRC)

Postgraduate student: Natalie Lazar Adler

A complete list of publications on Leptospira, Pasteurella, Shigella or others.

You can also have a look at the complete data set of P. multocida genes with altered  in vivo expression.