M.AppSc (MLS) FAIMS

Lecturer

I am a fellow of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists in Microbiology. Prior to commencing at the University, I spent 10 years working in a range of pathology laboratories (large, small, private and public) throughout Australia as a medical scientist.

Research Interests

My main research interest is in the area of antimicrobial resistance, particularly that in Haemophilus influenzae and mediated by beta-lactamases.

My current projects include:

• Characterising unusual beta-lactimases in multi-resistant clinical strains acquired from international collaborators.
• Using recominant DNA techniques to investigate the possbility of mutations in beta-lactimases producing resistance to currently important antibiotics.
• Examining the role of H. influenzae in exacerbations of chronic obstructive airways disease. More information

You can find out more about my research activities, and potential honours projects by visiting my research page.

Research Areas:

• Antimicrobial Resistance  Read More

Teaching

I have been lecturing in Medical Microbiology since 1995, and since that time have changed my approach to teaching. I used to view my role primarily as an "information provider", but now concentrate on teaching problem solving and critical thinking. "I want to make sure that students leave here with a good working knowledge of Medical Microbiology, and also the skills to be able to keep on learning and make sense of the vast amount of information that will be avaialble to them".

Units

• CXA241 - General and Medical Microbiology
  
• CXA342 - Medical Microbiology A
  
• CXA343 - Medical Microbiology B
  
• CXA401 - Medical Laboratory Practice
  

Selected Publications:

• Tristram, SG, Nichols, S,, 2006, 'A multiplex PCR for â-lactamase genes of Haemophilus influenzae and description of a new blaTEM promoter variant.', Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 58, pgs. 183-185
• Bozdogan, B, Tristram, SG, Appelbaum, PC, 2006, 'Combination of altered PBPs and expression of cloned extended-spectrum beta-lactamases confers cefotaxime resistance in Haemophilus influenzae', Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 57 (4) , pgs. 747-749
• Tristram, SG, Hawes, RA, Souprounov, J, 2005, 'Variation in selected regions of blaTEM genes and promoters in Haemophilus influenzae', Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Oxford Press, pgs. 01-04
• Tristram, SG, Bozdogan, B*, Appelbaum, PC, 2005, 'Disc diffusion-based screening tests for extended-spectrum β-lactamases in Haemophilus influenzae', Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Oxford Press, pgs. 570-573
• Tristram, S., 1999, 'Extended spectrum B-lactamases in Haemophilus.', Australian Journal of Medical Science, 20, pgs. 33-41
• Tristram, S., 1995, 'Extended spectrum B-lactamases:are we losing the battle?', Australian Journal of Medical Science, 16, pgs. 16-25
• Tristram, S., 2003, 'Effect of extended spectrum B-lactamases on the susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae to Cephalosporins.', Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotheraphy, 51, pgs. 39-43

Full Publication List