Dr. Lehmann’s research is driven by the urgent need to address the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. Since the discovery of antibiotics in the early to mid-20th century, bacteria have rapidly evolved mechanisms to resist their effects. As a result, many antibiotics once considered groundbreaking have lost their efficacy, and even the most advanced broad-spectrum agents are now failing in the face of widespread resistance. The current cycle—introducing new drugs only to see resistant strains emerge—has led to a troubling rise in infections and deaths caused by drug-resistant pathogens.
Dr. Lehmann’s work focuses on an alternative strategy informed by a growing understanding of the human microbiome. Long before antibiotics were used, the beneficial bacteria within the microbiome played a critical role in maintaining health by competing with and suppressing harmful microbes. However, antibiotic use often disrupts this balance, killing protective bacteria and allowing drug-resistant pathogens to thrive.
In response, Dr. Lehmann is developing approaches to restore and protect the beneficial components of the microbiome. By promoting the health and resilience of the microbiome, this research aims to prevent infections, reduce reliance on traditional antibiotics, and provide a powerful new avenue in the fight against antibiotic-resistant disease.
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
- Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship
2023
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency
2019
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN
MD - Medicine
2015
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
BS - Microbiology/Biochemistry
2011
Fecal metabolite profiling identifies liver transplant recipients at risk for postoperative infection.
Fecal metabolite profiling identifies liver transplant recipients at risk for postoperative infection. Cell Host Microbe. 2024 Jan 10; 32(1):117-130.e4.
PMID: 38103544
Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose to optimize gut metabolites and prevent systemic infection in patients with liver disease.
Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose to optimize gut metabolites and prevent systemic infection in patients with liver disease. Nat Microbiol. 2023 Nov; 8(11):2033-2049.
PMID: 37845315
Immunomodulatory fecal metabolites are associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure.
Immunomodulatory fecal metabolites are associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure. Nat Commun. 2022 11 03; 13(1):6615.
PMID: 36329015
Translating Microbiome Research From and To the Clinic.
Translating Microbiome Research From and To the Clinic. Annu Rev Microbiol. 2022 09 08; 76:435-460.
PMID: 35655344
Cancer, transplant, and immunocompromising conditions were not significantly associated with severe illness or death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Cancer, transplant, and immunocompromising conditions were not significantly associated with severe illness or death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. J Clin Virol. 2021 07; 140:104850.
PMID: 34022753
Community-acquired Coinfection in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Experience.
Community-acquired Coinfection in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Experience. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 04 26; 72(8):1450-1452.
PMID: 32604413
Notes from the Field: Cronobacter sakazakii Meningitis in a Full-Term Neonate Fed Exclusively with Breast Milk - Indiana, 2018.
Notes from the Field: Cronobacter sakazakii Meningitis in a Full-Term Neonate Fed Exclusively with Breast Milk - Indiana, 2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018 Nov 09; 67(44):1248-1249.
PMID: 30408018
Apical Lung Herniation Associated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in a 4-Year-Old Girl.
Apical Lung Herniation Associated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in a 4-Year-Old Girl. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016 11 15; 12(11):1565-1566.
PMID: 27397657
Reply to Sun et al.: Deposition of organic nitrogen.
Reply to Sun et al.: Deposition of organic nitrogen. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 08 02; 113(31):E4435.
PMID: 27439877
Evaluation of the Impact of National HIV Testing Day - United States, 2011-2014.
Evaluation of the Impact of National HIV Testing Day - United States, 2011-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016 Jun 24; 65(24):613-8.
PMID: 27336946
Fellow
American Academy of Pediatrics
2022
Alpha Omega Alpha
2014