Walter E. Stamm, MD

Professor, Department of Medicine
Adjunct Professor, Epidemiology

Contact Information
University of Washington
Box 356523
Medicine, Div. of Allergy & Infectious Disease
1959 Pacific NE
Seattle, WA 98195
Tel: 206-616-4170
Fax: 206-616-4898
wes@u.washington.edu

Research Interests

We are studying the epidemiology and pathogenesis of bacterial genitourinary tract infections, especially urinary tract infections due to E. coli and genital infections due to C. trachomatis. With respect to urinary tract infections, we are conducting a large NIH-sponsored study aimed at elucidating the factors that predispose young women to recurrent UTI. The specific roles of host genetic factors, host anatomy and physiology, bacterial virulence determinants, and exogenous exposures such as antimicrobials and spermicides are being studied. A number of other clinical and laboratory studies addressing the epidemiology and pathogenesis of UTI are also ongoing, including study of antimicrobial resistance in community-acquired UTI.

With respect to C. trachomatis infections, we are utilizing molecular diagnostic tests for C. trachomatis (as well as serotyping and genotyping) to elucidate the epidemiology of sexually-transmitted C. trachomatis infections. We are also studying the application of these tests in prevention programs. In the laboratory, we are studying the pathogenesis of PID utilizing a primate model (in collaboration with Dorothy Patton, Ph.D.) and the genetic and functional analysis of the chlamydial cytolysin POMP and INC genes.

Education
MD, Harvard University 1971