 Ph.D. (1972) |
Marilyn
Menegus
Professor of Microbiology & Immunology Primary Appointment: GEBS Cluster Affiliations: |
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| Contact Information: | ||
| University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 672 Rochester, New York 14642 |
Medical Center 2-5316 Phone: (585) 275-7735 E-Mail: marilyn_menegus @urmc.rochester.edu |
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- Research Focus
- Clinical Virology Research
- Research Overview
- The pathogenesis of many viral infections is being redefined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinically, PCR is now widely used to detect and quantify viruses found in blood. Nevertheless, the intravascular distribution and fate of blood borne viruses is poorly understood. We are interested in expanding our understanding of viremia and its relationship to disease and to the immune response. Thus far our studies have focused on cytomegalovirus infections. We developed a simple and rapid method for the recovery of leukocytes that are suitable for both culture and amplification. Using leukocytes as the substrate, we developed a PCR that is twice as sensitive as culture for detecting CMV viremia. Routine testing of clinical specimens was introduced, an ongoing quality assurance program was developed and patterns of virus positivity in different patient populations were established. Currently, in collaboration with others, we are examining the relationship between the cellular immune response and CMV viremia.
- Our laboratory is also actively engaged in the development of PCR tests for diagnostic use and on defining the clinical utility of such tests. Projects now underway include: (1) the development of improved methods for processing clinical specimens to remove PCR inhibitors, (2) the evaluation of post amplification detection methods, (3) the development and evaluation of a screening assay for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia (which can represent a problem in immunosuppressed persons), and (4) evaluation of PCR testing for the diagnosis of enteroviral infections.
- Recent Publications
- Pavelka MS Jr. "Another brick in the wall." Trends Microbiol. 2007 Feb 27;
- Nye MB, Leman AR, Meyer ME, Menegus MA, Rothberg PG. "Sequence diversity in the glycoprotein B gene complicates real-time PCR assays for detection and quantification of cytomegalovirus." J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Oct;43(10):4968-71.
- Hashem, M. and M. A. Menegus (2005). "Back to basics: molecular tools in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases." Pediatr Rev 26(1): 15-20.
- Newton DW, Mellen CF, Baxter BD, Atmar RL, Menegus MA. "Practical and sensitive screening strategy for detection of influenza virus." J Clin Microbiol. 40:4353-6, 2002.
- Uy IP, D'Angio CT, Menegus M, Guillet R. "Changes in early-onset group B beta hemolytic streptococcus disease with changing recommendations for prophylaxis." J Perinatol. 22:516-22, 2002.
- Ojukwu IC, Newton DW, Luque AE, Kotb MY, Menegus M. "Invasive Group C Streptococcus infection associated with rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in a previously healthy adult." Scand J Infect Dis 33:227-9, 2001.
- Wurapa AK, Luque AE, Menegus MA. "Oral hairy leukoplakia: a manifestation of primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus?" Scand J Infect Dis. 31:505-6, 1999.
- Evans TG, Kallas EG, Luque AE, Menegus M, McNair C, Looney RJ. "Expansion of the CD57 subset of CD8 T cells in HIV-1 infection is related to CMV serostatus." AIDS 13:1139-41, 1999.
- Looney RJ, Falsey A, Campbell D, Torres A, Kolassa J, Brower C, McCann R, Menegus M, McCormick K, Frampton M, Hall W, Abraham GN. "Role of cytomegalovirus in the T cell changes seen in elderly individuals." Clin Immunol 90:213-9, 1999.
- Review Publications
- Newton DW, Treanor JJ, Menegus MA. "Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of influenza virus infections." Am J Manag Care. 6(5 Suppl):S265-75, 2000.
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