Professor John Tagg
Contact Details
john.tagg@otago.ac.nz
+64 (3) 479-7714
Research Interests
Medical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology, Molecular Microbiology
Year of Appointment
1975
Training
MSc (Melbourne) PhD (Monash)
Teaching Roles
CELS 191 (microbiology convenor), MICR 223
Current Research
Professor Tagg's research is largely concerned with investigation of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) produced by gram-positive bacteria. These studies have been directed at attempting to define the role that these molecules have in the day-to-day life of bacteria in highly complex ecosystems such as exist in dental plaque. Aspects of this research, currently being pursued with vigour, include the isolation and biochemical characterisation of streptococcal and staphylococcal BLIS, definition of their genetic basis and field trials with human subjects to determine whether these agents are capable of affording protection against streptococcal pharyngitis and dental caries. Other research interests of this laboratory include the application of BLIS to the prevention of mastitis in dairy cattle and to the preservation of food.