Kozel Lab

Mission

Studying fungal infections in humans and animals to improve early diagnoses and develop life-saving treatments.

Key areas of focus

  • Translating basic science discoveries into diagnostic tests for infections by Candida, Aspergillus and the Mucorales groups of fungi.
  • Identifying targets for early detection and effective treatment with antifungal agents.
  • Previous work focused on the cellular and molecular basis for infection by the opportunistic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans.

Lab team

Thomas Kozel, Ph.D., is a professor of microbiology and immunology dedicated to diagnosing and treating fungal infections. The Kozel Lab studies infections by fungi in both humans and animals to achieve earlier diagnosis and more effective antifungal treatments. Previous work focused on the opportunistic yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans, which has led to the development of life-saving early screenings. The lab is currently studying Candida, Aspergillus and the Mucorales groups of fungi.

  • Thomas Kozel, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
  • Amanda Burnham-Marusich, Ph.D.: Faculty Researcher

Notable research findings

  • Studies have led to the development of monoclonal antibodies that are used in a test for early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. The test is used for all patients with signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that all newly diagnosed AIDS patients be screened for presence of asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis. A positive test result prompts preemptive treatment for the fungal infection prior to initiation of AIDS therapy.
  • Globally, there are 150,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis each year, resulting in 110,000 deaths.
  • The Centers for Disease Control has estimated that a screen for asymptomatic or latent cryptococcal meningitis has the potential to save as many as 50,000-100,000 lives each year, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Research Publications

Equipment, technology and techniques

  • The Kozel laboratory and the AuCoin laboratory share a suite of equipment dedicated to fabrication of lateral flow immunoassays – similar to the home pregnancy tests and the COVID rapid test.

Active grants and research projects

  1. Multiplexed rapid immunoassay for invasive fungal disease.
    • Award: R01 AI150823
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH)