Dr. Caroline Cameron

Dr. Caroline Cameron is a Professor in the School of Molecular Life Sciences. Academic credentials include a BSc and PhD from the University of Victoria.

Understanding the bacteria behind syphilis

Research Interests

 Dr. Cameron studies Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Her laboratory investigates how this highly invasive microorganism enters human tissues, spreads through the body, and avoids elimination by the immune system. A major focus is identifying the molecular interactions that occur between the bacterium and human cells during infection. Her team is also identifying and evaluating bacterial proteins that could be included in a vaccine to prevent syphilis. In parallel, the laboratory develops improved methods for diagnosing infection through antibody-based tests and direct detection of the bacterium. Proteomic approaches are used to investigate modifications of bacterial proteins that may influence infection, immune evasion, and disease progression.