The Tyrrell Research Laboratory primarily does research in the fields of Streptococcal and mycobacterial epidemiology and pathogenesis. Interest in Streptococci was fostered via interactions with the National Centre for Streptococci for Canada (1991 to 2010). The work performed by the Centre included serotyping for all three streptococcal pathogens (S. pyogenes (StrepA), S. agalactiae (GBS) and S. pneumoniae). 

For streptococci, focus in the research lab has been on understanding the epidemiology of invasive cases of StrepA, GBS and S. pneumoniae in Alberta, Canada as well as pathogenesis of these bacteria. We are uniquely placed in the province as the research lab is located within a large Public Health Laboratory in Edmonton, Alberta (city of apprx. 1 million). This provides us access to clinical expertise as well as clinical material. We use both molecular and cell based techniques to understand how organisms such as GBS interact with their environment and invade host cells.

In addition, we have also been interested in exploring epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of mycobacterial infections in the province. This has been in collaboration with various stakeholders in Alberta including Alberta Health, Alberta TB Services and the National Microbiology Laboratory. We are uniquely placed being situated next to the Public Health Laboratory as all mycobacterial specimens in the province come to the Public Health Laboratory.