Marcia  Firmani, Ph.D., MSPH  

Assistant Professor 

Interests and Expertise
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiologic agent of tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading worldwide causes of death among adults. One factor contributing to Mtb success as a pathogen is its ability to reside and replicate within the toxic environment of the host macrophage. Among the major antimicrobial products elicited by activated macrophages are reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). The focus of my research is to improve the understanding of Mtb RNI and ROI resistance as it relates to survival within the host macrophage. My labs major aims are to study the molecular genetics and epidemiology of Mtb strains that are better able to resist the deleterious effects of RNI and ROI as well as to identify putative genes that are associated with RNI and ROI resistance. The overall goal of this research is to provide a better understanding of the Mtb strains that are more likely to be transmitted; hence, affording the potential to improve treatment, prevention, and intervention strategies.

Recent Publications
Brugmann, W.B. and M.A. Firmani. 2005. Low levels of nitric oxide exert a hormetic effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. J. Clin. Microbiol . 43(9):4844-4846.

Firmani, M.S. and L.A. Broussard. 2003. Molecular diagnostic techniques for use in response to bioterrorism. Ecpert Rev Mol Diagn. 2(5):89-100. )

Firmani, M.A. and Lee W. Riley . 2002. Mycobacterium tuberculosis CDC 1551 is resistant to reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates in vitro. Infect. Immun . 70(7):3965-3968

Firmani, M.A. and Lee W. Riley . 2002. Reactive nitrogen intermediates have a bacteriostatic effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. J . Clin. Microbio . 40(9):3162-3166  

Education
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, Microbiology, 2002
MSPH, Tulane University, Tropical Medicine, 1994
B.S., Marist College, Medical Technology, 1991