World-leading lab in animal models for septic arthritis

Arthritis affects nearly 60,000,000 adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.

Research Interests Publications
60M+ Adults affected by arthritis worldwide
300K Children living with arthritis
50% Patients with permanent joint damage without treatment
Scopus ORCID Web of Science ALF Swedish Research Council University of Gothenburg

Our Research Interests

Septic arthritis remains one of the most dangerous joint diseases with total joint destruction possible in just days without treatment. Despite advances in antibiotic use, permanent reductions in joint function occur in up to 50% of patients, requiring joint replacement surgery in many cases.

The aim of our research is to

  1. Understand at molecular and cellular levels why this disease is so devastating.
  2. Design new therapeutic modalities leading to better outcomes for patients.
Research workflow: experimental settings, patient cohorts, and epidemiologic studies

Our Expertise

Tao's lab is considered a world-leading expert on murine models of Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis. We are now expanding the research area with epidemiological studies in collaboration with epidemiologists.

A clinical trial is at the planning phase together with several experts in infectious diseases. Our ambition is to, within 5–10 years, become one of the best labs in the world specializing in bone and joint infections.

Meet the team

Selected Publications

Our lab has produced internationally recognized work on the pathogenesis of S. aureus septic arthritis, murine models of bone and joint infection, and bacterial immune evasion strategies.

View publications