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- Butch Moncla, PhD
Butch Moncla, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
To quote the great microbiologist Louis Pasteur: 'Chance favors the prepared mind.'
Butch Moncla, PhD
Research in Brief
The laboratory specializes in solving difficult problems and the development of new thought and protocols requiring expertise in microbiology and biochemistry. Current studies center on the interactions of microbial flora and the glycoproteins, primarily mucins, found in the vagina to determine if these protective barriers are altered when intravaginal products are used. 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 sexually transmitted pathogens and bacterial glycobiology.
Dr. Moncla’s expertise is in anaerobic microbiology and rapid methods of detection and identification. He has extensive experience in infection control and disinfection, providing considerable expertise in the killing and control of microbial pathogens. Dr. Moncla 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.
Selected Publications
- Moncla, B J, Chappell CA, Mahal L. K, Debo B M, Meyn L A, & Hillier SL. “Impact of bacterial vaginosis, as assessed by nugent criteria and hormonal status on glycosidases and lectin binding in cervicovaginal lavage samples.” PloS one 10, no. 5 (2014):e0127091-e0127091.
- 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 on Actinomyces viscosus. J Gen Microbiol, 132:3381-91, 1986.
- Moncla BJ, Hillier SL, & Charnetzky WT. Constitutive uptake and degradation of fatty acids in Yersinia pestis. J Bacteriol 1983;153: 340-344.
- Moncla BJ, Halfpap LM, & Birdsell DC. Langmuir and Scatchard parameters do not describe the binding of Actinomyces viscosus to saliva-treated hydroxyapatite. J Gen Microbiol. 1985; 131:2619-2626.
For additional publications, visit Pubmed.