Ferret URT Targeted Locus. upper respiratory tract metagenome

Nasal and Swab Samples of Uninfected and Influenza Virus Infected Ferrets. This project studies the role of the upper respiratory tract metagenome in promoting or inhibiting infection by influenza viruses, and how changes in the metagenome after viral infection may promote secondary bacterial colonization and enhance disease. We investigate these factors using the ferret, which is the most accepted and widely used mammal model system for the study of influenza virus infection, pathogenesis and transmission.