The Carter Lab
Fungal Pathogens and Treatment Strategies
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
University of Sydney
PROJECTS
FUNGAL PATHOGENS
Our major interest is in the "Big Three" - Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and Candida. These three fungal genera account for the vast majority of life-threatening fungal infections today and are a major cause of HIV- and immunosuppression-related deaths. We research the ecology of fungal pathogens and the strategies they use to cause infection in people and animals. More information...
NEW THERAPIES
Fungal infections are notoriously difficult to treat, and the mortality associated with invasive infection can be as high as 85%. We are therefore developing new treatment strategies, with a particular interest in drug synergy, where we use agents to enhance the activity of existing drugs. Natural products are particularly promising synergents as they have been optimised by evolution to protect against pathogens, and we work on the milk protein lactoferrin, and antimicrobial honey. More information...
Consultancy
We have performed a number of consultancy projects testing antimicrobial products and assessing mould reports. For more information e-mail Dee Carter
Honours projects
We are offering a number of honours projects to start at the beginning or middle of the year. For a complete list and details for each project click here.
FOOD SAFETY
Contamination by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses can seriously compromise food safety, and there are increasing outbreaks related to food consumption. Fresh produce is particularly problematic as it is not possible to heat-inactivate microbes, and consumers want minimally processed foods. The Carter Lab is part of the ARC Training Centre in Fresh Food Safety that aims to address current skills shortages in food safety and produce new data on fresh food safety strategies. More information...
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
For a number of years we worked with collaborators to investigate the algal symbionts of coral reefs, an area which remains of considerable interest to us as Australian scientists and concerned citizens. This led to the discovery of Chromera velia, an important link between photosynthesising algae and parasites that cause major human diseases, including malaria and toxoplasmosis. More information...
PUBLICATIONS
Publications that are relevant to each of the project areas can be seen on the linked project pages.
​
For a complete list of publications by Dee Carter and the Carter Lab see the Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=3Le9bawAAAAJ&view_op=list_works