由多個機構研究人員組成的研究小組八月宣布完成了一種非典型性的Haemophilus  influenzae致病菌株的測序工作,。測序結果公布在the  Journal  of  Bacteriology上。

        這一由哥倫比亞兒童研究中心（Columbus  Children's  Research  Institute）,、俄亥俄州立大學醫(yī)藥與公共健康系（Ohio  State  University  College  of  Medicine  and  Public  Health）和俄克拉克馬州大學健康研究中心（the  University  of  Oklahoma  Health  Sciences  Center）共同完成的測序工作有利于治療耳傳染病,，因為這些信息可以為研究者提供新的疫苗設計思路.

The CCRI research team, led by Robert Munson, Jr., Ph.D., from the Center for Microbial Pathogenesis at CCRI and the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, worked collaboratively with a research team from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, led by David Dyer, Ph.D. to complete the first genome sequence for a strain of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-a germ responsible for otitis media and other diseases of the respiratory tract. Another group of researchers previously completed the genome sequence of a related organism that provided insight into the basic genetic makeup of the organism, but this earlier genomic sequence was not from an otitis media pathogen.

"Having the complete genome sequence for nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae allows us to understand the basic genetic makeup of the organism and how it causes disease," said Munson. "This information can help us design additional experiments that could eventually lead to a vaccine or novel intervention strategies for otitis media and other respiratory tract diseases."

In addition to the work with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, researchers at CCRI have a promising vaccine candidate to prevent middle ear infections and recently partnered with the National Institutes for Health ( NIH ), the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ), pharmaceutical companies and other scientists in an effort to expedite the process of developing what they believe is a long-overdue vaccine for ear infections.

Columbus Children's ranks among the top 10 in National Institutes of Health research awards and grants to freestanding children's hospitals in the country and houses the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. With nearly 600,000 patient visits each year, Children's Hospital is a 112-year-old pediatric healthcare network treating newborns through age 21. In 2004, the Columbus Children's Research Institute conducted more than 300 research projects and is the home of Centers of Emphasis encompassing gene therapy; molecular and human genetics; vaccines and immunity; childhood cancer; cell and vascular biology; developmental pharmacology and toxicology; injury research and policy; microbial pathogenesis; cardiovascular medicine; and biobehavioral health. Pediatric Clinical Trials International ( PCTI ), a site management organization affiliated with the hospital, also coordinated more than 50 clinical trials. In addition to having one of the largest ambulatory programs in the country, Children's offers specialty programs and services. More than 75,000 consumers receive health and wellness education each year and affiliation agreements with nearly 100 institutions allow more than 1,700 students and 500 residents to receive training at Children's annually.

更多信息見其中心網站：http://www.columbuschildrens.com.