Dhritiman Samanta

Dhritiman Samanta, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Midwestern University's College of Graduate Studies (Arizona campus). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of Coxiella burnetii pathogenesis, the bacterium causing Q fever—a zoonotic disease with potentially life-threatening chronic manifestations in high-risk patients.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Southern Mississippi (2015)
• M.Sc. in Microbiology, University of Burdwan, India (2008)
• B.Sc. in Microbiology, University of Burdwan, India (2006)

Research Focus:

Dr. Samanta's laboratory investigates how Coxiella manipulates host endosomal trafficking to establish its replicative niche. Key projects include: (1) Molecular regulation of endosomal maturation via Rab5-Rab7 transition inhibition; (2) Role of recycling endosomal proteins (Rab11a/Rab35) in Coxiella pathogenesis; (3) Therapeutic potential of Short-Chain Fatty Acids against Coxiella. His work addresses critical gaps in Q fever treatment, where chronic cases require 18+ months of antibiotics and no U.S. vaccine exists.

Publication Trends:

His research evolved from Staphylococcus aureus virulence mechanisms (2011-2016) to dedicated Coxiella pathogenesis studies (2017-2024). Recent work emphasizes host-pathogen interactions in endosomal recycling and cholesterol regulation, employing quantitative microscopy and cell biology approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for chronic Q fever.

Teaching & Mentoring:

Dr. Samanta teaches Medical Microbiology (MICRG 1615/1616), Physician Assistant Microbiology (MICRG 570), Veterinary Bacteriology (MICRG 1671), and Pharmacy Microbiology (MICRG 1513) across D.V.M., D.O., M.B.S., and M.M.S. programs. He actively recruits student researchers for his BSL-2 Coxiella studies.

Laboratory:

The Samanta Lab at Midwestern University's Glendale campus utilizes mammalian cell infection models and advanced imaging to dissect Coxiella-host interactions, with ongoing collaborations reflected in multi-institutional publications.