PeretzLab is a leading advanced research center located within the research institute of the Tzafon Medical Center, affiliated with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University. The laboratory specializes in translational research, uniquely integrating clinical practice with basic science in order to develop direct and impactful solutions for various infectious diseases. Our main areas of focus include clinical microbiology, decoding bacterial virulence mechanisms, exploring host-pathogen interactions, and developing rapid diagnostic methods for identifying bacteria and detecting antibiotic resistance. With a modern research infrastructure that combines a broad range of cutting-edge technologies, the lab is at the forefront of pioneering scientific discoveries.
C. difficile is a major cause of severe colonic infections, often following prolonged antibiotic therapy. Our research focuses on identifying its virulence factors, biofilm-forming capabilities, and toxin production. Additionally, we explore the link between gut microbiome composition and C. difficile proliferation, and are developing innovative therapeutic approaches including probiotic-based treatments aimed at microbiome restoration and suppression of the pathogen.
Beyond our focus on specific pathogens, our lab is actively engaged in the following research domains:
Identification of antibiotic resistance mechanisms:
Studying the genetic and molecular systems that enable bacteria to withstand antibiotic treatment.
Biofilm and toxin formation:
Investigating how bacteria aggregate to form protective biofilms that shield them from immune responses and antibiotics, as well as analyzing the production of toxins that enhance bacterial virulence.
Epidemiological surveillance:
Monitoring and analyzing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains to better understand their transmission patterns and support the development of targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
Hospital-acquired infections:
Examining risk factors, transmission routes, and effective prevention measures for infections acquired in medical settings.
Environmental and clinical microbiology:
Exploring the connections between environmental reservoirs of bacteria and resistance factors (e.g., in water or soil) and the occurrence of human infections. This research supports the development of more comprehensive prevention strategies.
At PeretzLab, we operate a unique bacterial biobank that serves as a vital foundation for our research. Through close collaboration with the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at the Tzafon Medical Center, we collect and preserve clinical isolates of a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria. Each isolate is meticulously collected and characterized, including full genomic profiling. This bacterial collection serves as a powerful research tool, enabling us to study resistance mechanisms, identify virulence factors, and track evolutionary changes across different bacterial strains. The biobank allows our research to be conducted on real-world clinical samples, helping us to better understand clinical challenges and accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.