Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Kwang Cheol (KC) Jeong

Kwang Cheol (KC) Jeong
Department of Animal Sciences, Emerging Pathogens Institute
University of Florida, USA

Biography

Dr. Kwang Cheol (KC) Jeong science career started as a molecular microbiologist focused on the identification of virulence factors and understanding of the gene regulation mechanisms of Vibrio vulnificus. During his doctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I continued to explore bacterial pathogenesis by examining the mechanisms of acid tolerance and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the host. After obtaining my Ph.D., he had a Postdoctoral training at Washington University Medical School at St. Louis to characterize the virulence traits of Legionella pneumophila, anintracellular pathogen that causes a pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires’ disease. His research areas are not only inbasic sciences but also in applied sciences. Shiga-toxin producing E. coli(STEC)is aprimary target. STEC O157causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans which becoming a huge concern in public health. Outbreaks of this pathogen cause tremendous negative effect in the economy due to food recalls.

Research Interest

The primary goal of his research team is to understand molecular mechanisms of colonization, host-microbe interactions, and survival of bacterial pathogens in hosts, both in animals and humans.