School of Infection & Immunity

Dr Rebecca McHugh

• Research Fellow (University of Glasgow)
• Location: Sir Graeme Davies Building Common Room

Title: Beyond Antibiotics: New Drugs Targeting the Type III Secretion System

Synopsis: 

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are significant enteric pathogens responsible for outbreaks of haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Conventional antibiotic therapy is contraindicated in STEC infections, as antimicrobial exposure can exacerbate toxin production, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies.

Bio: 

Rebecca’s work focusses on the discovery, testing and implementation of novel anti-virulence drugs which represent promising new strategies for treatment. Specifically, Rebecca is studying the gut microbiome of cattle, the reservoirs of STEC, as a source of novel antimicrobial therapies.

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First published: 19 August 2025