Moncla Research Group
Principal Investigator:
Butch Moncla, PhD
The lab is currently studying the interactions of microbial flora and the glycoprotein, primarily mucins, found in the vagina to determine if they alter these protective barriers. Because certain vaginal bacteria maintain the health of the vagina, the lab tests drugs to ensure that these drugs do not interfere with the bacteria. The lab also tests HIV-prevention drugs to ensure they are not broken down in the vagina. Additionally, Dr. Moncla is still active in studies of periodontal diseases.
Dr. Moncla’s expertise is in anaerobic microbiology and rapid methods of detection and identification. He has had extensive experience in infection control and disinfection, providing considerable expertise in the killing and control of microbial pathogens.
Dr. Moncla routinely performs microbicide safety testing for CONRAD and the International Partnership for Microbicides. He holds patents for the sterilization of lipids. The Sonicare Ultrasonic Toothbrush was developed in his laboratory. As the Founding Scientist in the MicroProbe Corporation, he made significant contributions to the development of the DNA-based “Affirm” rapid diagnostic instrument for in-office use.
Lab Members
Selected Publications
- Moncla BJ & Pryke KM. Oleate lipase activity in Gardnerella vaginalis and reconsideration of existing biotype schemes. BMC Microbiol, 9:78, doi:10.1186/1471-2180-9-78, 2009.
- Moncla BJ & Hillier SL. Why nonoxynol-9 may have failed to prevent acquisition of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in clinical trials. J Sexually Trans Dis, 32:491-94, 2005.
- Moncla BJ & Hillier SL. Peptostreptococcus, Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, and other non‑spore‑forming anaerobic gram‑positive bacteria. ASM Press. Washington, DC, 2003.
- Moncla BJ, Strockbine L, Braham P, Karlinsey J, & Roberts MC. The use of whole-cell DNA probes for the identification of Bacteroides intermedius isolates in a dot blot assay. J Dent Res, 67:1267-70, 1988.
- Moncla BJ & Braham P. The detection of sialidase (neuraminidase) activity in Actinomyces species using 2-(4-methylumbelliferyl)µ-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid in a filter paper spot test. J Clin Microbiol, 27:182-84, 1989.
- Roberts MC, Moncla BJ, & Hillier SL. Characterization of unusual tetracycline resistant gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrob Ag Chemother, 1992.
- Jones AH, Lee CC, Moncla BJ, Robinovitch MR, & Birdsell DC. Surface localization of sialic acid onActinomyces viscosus. J Gen Microbiol, 132:3381-91, 1986.