Lizzie Johnson Harrell | Scholars@Duke

Lizzie Johnson Harrell
Research Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

I am a clinical microbiologist and our laboratory is responsible for detecting, isolating, identifying, and performing antimicrobial susceptibility tests on bacteria that cause infections in patients seen at Duke University Medical Center. My research interests include investigating emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the use of molecular techniques for diagnosing infectious diseases. All of these activities involve collaboration with the Infectious Diseases service, the Infection Control group, the Medical Microbiology Fellows, and the Clinical Microbiology faculty as well as the medical technologists who staff the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.

We have a Medical Microbiology Fellowship training program for physicians.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Research Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 2011

Contact Information

237 Clin Res Labs, Durham, NC 27710
Duke Box 3879, Durham, NC 27710
lizzie.harrell@duke.edu (919) 684-2807

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., North Carolina State University 1978
Duke Appointment History
- Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 2005 - 2011
- Professor in Pathology, Pathology, Clinical Science Departments 2006 - 2011
- Research Professor in Pathology, Pathology, Clinical Science Departments 2005 - 2006
- Associate Research Professor in Pathology, Pathology, Clinical Science Departments 1996 - 2005
- Associate Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 2002 - 2005
- Associate Research Professor of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 1994 - 2002
Research
Selected Grants
- DukeMed Activated awarded by National Institutes of Health 2014 - 2019
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Snydman, D. R., N. V. Jacobus, L. A. McDermott, E. J. C. Goldstein, L. Harrell, S. G. Jenkins, D. Newton, R. Patel, and D. W. Hecht. “Trends in antimicrobial resistance among Bacteroides species and Parabacteroides species in the United States from 2010-2012 with comparison to 2008-2009..” Anaerobe 43 (February 2017): 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.11.003.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, D. R., N. V. Jacobus, L. A. McDermott, Y. Golan, E. J. C. Goldstein, L. Harrell, S. Jenkins, et al. “Update on resistance of Bacteroides fragilis group and related species with special attention to carbapenems 2006-2009..” Anaerobe 17, no. 4 (August 2011): 147–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.05.014.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, David R., Nilda V. Jacobus, Laura A. McDermott, Yoav Golan, David W. Hecht, Ellie J. C. Goldstein, Lizzie Harrell, et al. “Lessons learned from the anaerobe survey: historical perspective and review of the most recent data (2005-2007)..” Clin Infect Dis 50 Suppl 1 (January 1, 2010): S26–33. https://doi.org/10.1086/647940.
    Full Text Open Access Copy Link to Item
  - Olson, Ronald P., Lizzie J. Harrell, and Keith S. Kaye. “Antibiotic resistance in urinary isolates of Escherichia coli from college women with urinary tract infections..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 53, no. 3 (March 2009): 1285–86. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01188-08.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Lalani, Tahaniyat, Jay B. Varkey, Richard Drew, Lizzie Harrell, Sarah McGarry, John G. Engemann, Melissa D. Johnson, and Keith S. Kaye. “Analysis of two- and three-year trends in antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units using unit-specific antibiograms..” Scand J Infect Dis 40, no. 8 (2008): 672–74.
    Link to Item
  - McDonald, Jay R., Charlene M. Carriker, Brian C. Pien, Jane V. Trinh, John J. Engemann, Lizzie J. Harrell, Mary A. Oden, et al. “Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreak in an intensive care nursery: potential for interinstitutional spread..” Pediatr Infect Dis J 26, no. 8 (August 2007): 678–83. https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0b013e3180616ce4.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., S. K. Sharps, R. A. Bean, and L. B. Reller. “Genetic relatedness of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from paired blood and respiratory specimens..” J Clin Microbiol 45, no. 6 (June 2007): 2017–19. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02566-06.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, D. R., N. V. Jacobus, L. A. McDermott, R. Ruthazer, Y. Golan, E. J. C. Goldstein, S. M. Finegold, et al. “National survey on the susceptibility of Bacteroides fragilis group: report and analysis of trends in the United States from 1997 to 2004..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 51, no. 5 (May 2007): 1649–55. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01435-06.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Anderson, Deverick J., John J. Engemann, Lizzie J. Harrell, Yehuda Carmeli, L Barth Reller, and Keith S. Kaye. “Predictors of mortality in patients with bloodstream infection due to ceftazidime-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 50, no. 5 (May 2006): 1715–20. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.50.5.1715-1720.2006.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Scanga, Lori, Shu Chaing, Cynthia Powell, Arthur S. Aylsworth, Lizzie J. Harrell, Nancy G. Henshaw, Chris J. Civalier, et al. “Diagnosis of human congenital cytomegalovirus infection by amplification of viral DNA from dried blood spots on perinatal cards..” J Mol Diagn 8, no. 2 (May 2006): 240–45. https://doi.org/10.2353/jmoldx.2006.050075.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - McKibben, Linda, Teresa C. Horan, Jerome I. Tokars, Gabrielle Fowler, Denise M. Cardo, Michele L. Pearson, Patrick J. Brennan, and Patrick J. Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. “Guidance on public reporting of healthcare-associated infections: recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee..” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 26, no. 6 (June 2005): 580–87. https://doi.org/10.1086/502585.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Cheng, Allen C., David R. Murdoch, Lizzie J. Harrell, and L. Barth Reller. “Clinical profile and strain relatedness of recurrent enterococcal bacteremia..” Scand J Infect Dis 37, no. 9 (2005): 642–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/00365540510043257.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Weinstein, Melvin P., Stanley Mirrett, Saman Kannangara, Jan Monahan, Lizzie J. Harrell, Alan C. Wilson, and L Barth Reller. “Multicenter evaluation of use of penicillin and ampicillin as surrogates for in vitro testing of susceptibility of enterococci to imipenem..” J Clin Microbiol 42, no. 8 (August 2004): 3747–51. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.42.8.3747-3751.2004.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Golan, Yoav, Laura A. McDermott, Nilda V. Jacobus, Ellie J. C. Goldstein, Sydney Finegold, Lizzie J. Harrell, David W. Hecht, et al. “Emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance among Bacteroides species..” J Antimicrob Chemother 52, no. 2 (August 2003): 208–13. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkg320.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Murdoch, David R., Stanley Mirrett, Lizzie J. Harrell, Susan M. Donabedian, Marcus J. Zervos, and L Barth Reller. “Comparison of microscan broth microdilution, synergy quad plate agar dilution, and disk diffusion screening methods for detection of high-level aminoglycoside resistance in enterococcus species..” J Clin Microbiol 41, no. 6 (June 2003): 2703–5. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.41.6.2703-2705.2003.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Murdoch, David R., Stanley Mirrett, Lizzie J. Harrell, Janet S. Monahan, and L Barth Reller. “Sequential emergence of antibiotic resistance in enterococcal bloodstream isolates over 25 years..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 46, no. 11 (November 2002): 3676–78. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.46.11.3676-3678.2002.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, D. R., N. V. Jacobus, L. A. McDermott, R. Ruthazer, E. J. C. Goldstein, S. M. Finegold, L. J. Harrell, et al. “National survey on the susceptibility of Bacteroides Fragilis Group: report and analysis of trends for 1997-2000..” Clin Infect Dis 35, no. Suppl 1 (September 1, 2002): S126–34. https://doi.org/10.1086/341934.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, D. R., N. V. Jacobus, L. A. McDermott, S. Supran, G. J. Cuchural, S. Finegold, L. Harrell, et al. “Multicenter study of in vitro susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis group, 1995 to 1996, with comparison of resistance trends from 1990 to 1996..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 43, no. 10 (October 1999): 2417–22.
    Link to Item
  - “United States geographic bacteria susceptibility patterns. 1997 ASCP Susceptibility Testing Group..” Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 35, no. 2 (October 1999): 143–51.
    Link to Item
  - Fowler, V. G., L. K. Kong, G. R. Corey, G. S. Gottlieb, R. S. McClelland, D. J. Sexton, D. Gesty-Palmer, and L. J. Harrell. “Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis findings in 29 patients..” J Infect Dis 179, no. 5 (May 1999): 1157–61. https://doi.org/10.1086/314712.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Fowler, V. G., L. L. Sanders, L. K. Kong, R. S. McClelland, G. S. Gottlieb, J. Li, T. Ryan, et al. “Infective endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus: 59 prospectively identified cases with follow-up..” Clin Infect Dis 28, no. 1 (January 1999): 106–14. https://doi.org/10.1086/515076.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Fuller, R. E., L. J. Harrell, F. T. Meredith, D. J. Sexton, and L. G. Colvin. “Vancomycin-resistant enterococci: risk related to the use of intravenous vancomycin in a university hospital..” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 19, no. 11 (November 1998): 821–23.
    Link to Item
  - Munro, S., P. A. Mickelsen, M. Anderson, M. L. Wilson, A. Robinson, P. Walsh, F. A. Meier, et al. “United States geographic bacteria susceptibility patterns.” American Journal of Clinical Pathology 109, no. 2 (February 1, 1998): 144–52.
    Link to Item
  - “United States geographic bacteria susceptibility patterns. 1996 ASCP Susceptibility Testing Group. American Society of Clinical Pathologists..” Am J Clin Pathol 109, no. 2 (February 1998): 144–52. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/109.2.144.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Liu, K., S. M. Palmer, R. T. Vollmer, L. G. Dodd, N. G. Henshaw, L. J. Harrell, V. F. Tapson, and D. N. Howell. “Comparison of microbiologic, histologic and cytologic studies for the identification of cytomegalovirus in lung transplant patients.” Modern Pathology 11, no. 1 (January 1, 1998): 178A-178A.
    Link to Item
  - Phillips, H. K., L. J. Harrell, and J. F. Madden. “Microscopic screening of respiratory specimens submitted for culture: A re-evaluation.” Clinical Infectious Diseases 25, no. 2 (December 1, 1997).
  - Lyon, G. M., J. A. Alspaugh, F. T. Meredith, L. J. Harrell, V. Tapson, R. D. Davis, and S. S. Kanj. “Mycoplasma hominis pneumonia complicating bilateral lung transplantation: case report and review of the literature..” Chest 112, no. 5 (November 5, 1997): 1428–32. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.112.5.1428.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Snydman, D. R., L. McDermott, G. J. Cuchural, D. W. Hecht, P. B. Iannini, L. J. Harrell, S. G. Jenkins, et al. “Analysis of trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns among clinical isolates of Bacteroides fragilis group species from 1990 to 1994..” Clin Infect Dis 23 Suppl 1 (December 1996): S54–65. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/23.supplement_1.s54.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Zaidi, A. K., L. J. Harrell, J. R. Rost, and L. B. Reller. “Assessment of similarity among coagulase-negative staphylococci from sequential blood cultures of neonates and children by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis..” J Infect Dis 174, no. 5 (November 1996): 1010–14. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/174.5.1010.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Procop, G. W., L. J. Harrell, M. K. Washington, C. H. Owen, and T. N. Pappas. “Pericolic abscess due to Streptococcus pyogenes: report of a case that clinically mimicked acute cholecystitis..” Clin Infect Dis 23, no. 1 (July 1996): 182–83. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/23.1.182.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Mulhausen, P. L., L. J. Harrell, M. Weinberger, G. G. Kochersberger, and J. R. Feussner. “Contrasting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in Veterans Affairs and community nursing homes..” Am J Med 100, no. 1 (January 1996): 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9343(96)90007-8.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Swenson, J. M., M. J. Ferraro, D. F. Sahm, N. C. Clark, D. H. Culver, and F. C. Tenover. “Multilaboratory evaluation of screening methods for detection of high-level aminoglycoside resistance in enterococci. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards Study Group on Enterococci..” J Clin Microbiol 33, no. 11 (November 1995): 3008–18.
    Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., G. L. Andersen, and K. H. Wilson. “Genetic variability of Bacillus anthracis and related species..” J Clin Microbiol 33, no. 7 (July 1995): 1847–50.
    Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., S. Mirrett, and L. B. Reller. “Subcultures of BACTEC-positive but gram or acridine orange stain-negative NR 6A and 7A blood culture bottles are unnecessary..” Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 20, no. 3 (November 1994): 121–25.
    Link to Item
  - SNYDMAN, D. R., G. J. CUCHURAL, L. MCDERMOTT, P. B. IANNINI, L. J. HARRELL, T. J. CLEARY, J. P. OKEEFE, et al. “SUSCEPTIBILITY VARIATIONS IN BACTEROIDES-FRAGILIS - A NATIONAL SURVEY.” Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice 3 (January 1, 1994): S34–43.
    Link to Item
  - Sexton, D. J., L. J. Harrell, J. J. Thorpe, D. L. Hunt, and L. B. Reller. “A case-control study of nosocomial ampicillin-resistant enterococcal infection and colonization at a university hospital..” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 14, no. 11 (November 1993): 629–35.
    Link to Item
  - Hoban, D. J., R. N. Jones, L. J. Harrell, M. Knudson, and D. Sewell. “The North American component (the United States and Canada) of an International Comparative MIC trial monitoring ofloxacin resistance..” Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 17, no. 2 (August 1993): 157–61.
    Link to Item
  - Wilson, M. L., L. J. Harrell, S. Mirrett, M. P. Weinstein, C. W. Stratton, and L. B. Reller. “Controlled evaluation of BACTEC PLUS 27 and Roche Septi-Chek anaerobic blood culture bottles..” J Clin Microbiol 30, no. 1 (January 1992): 63–66.
    Link to Item
  - Weinstein, M. P., S. Mirrett, M. L. Wilson, L. J. Harrell, C. W. Stratton, and L. B. Reller. “Controlled evaluation of BACTEC Plus 26 and Roche Septi-Chek aerobic blood culture bottles..” J Clin Microbiol 29, no. 5 (May 1991): 879–82.
    Link to Item
  - Gottfried, M. R., K. Washington, and L. J. Harrell. “Helicobacter pylori-like microorganisms and chronic active gastritis in ferrets..” Am J Gastroenterol 85, no. 7 (July 1990): 813–18.
    Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., M. L. Cameron, and C. M. O’Hara. “Rahnella aquatilis, an unusual gram-negative rod isolated from the bronchial washing of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome..” J Clin Microbiol 27, no. 7 (July 1989): 1671–72.
    Link to Item
  - Clover, D., B. Parks, and L. J. Harrell. “Laboratory identification of Rhodococcus equi from a patient with AIDS.” Laboratory Medicine 20, no. 7 (January 1, 1989): 491–93. https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/20.7.491.
    Full Text
  - Kim, J. H., R. A. Cooper, K. E. Welty-Wolf, L. J. Harrell, P. Zwadyk, and M. E. Klotman. “Pseudomonas putrefaciens bacteremia..” Rev Infect Dis 11, no. 1 (January 1989): 97–104.
    Link to Item
  - Kolbeck, J. C., R. A. Padgett, E. G. Estevez, and L. J. Harrell. “Bioluminescence screening for bacteriuria..” J Clin Microbiol 21, no. 4 (April 1985): 527–30.
    Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., and J. B. Evans. “Anaerobic resistance of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus to aminoglycosides..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 14, no. 6 (December 1978): 927–29. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.14.6.927.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Evans, J. B., and L. J. Harrell. “Agar shake tube technique for simultaneous determination of aerobic and anaerobic susceptibility to antibiotics..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 12, no. 4 (October 1977): 534–36. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.12.4.534.
    Full Text Link to Item
  - Harrell, L. J., and J. B. Evans. “Effect of anaerobiosis on antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococci..” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 11, no. 6 (June 1977): 1077–78. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.11.6.1077.
    Full Text Link to Item
- Conference Papers
  - Scanga, L., S. Chaing, C. Powell, A. Aylsworth, L. J. Harrell, N. G. Henshaw, C. Civalier, et al. “Diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection by PCR of dried blood spots on perinatal cards.” In Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, 6:422–422. AMER SOC INVESTIGATIVE PATHOLOGY, INC, 2004.
    Link to Item
  - Fuller, R. E., L. G. Colvin, F. T. Meredith, W. E. Wilkinson, L. J. Harrell, and D. J. Sexton. “Vancomycin-resistant enterococci: Risk related to the use of intravenous vancomycin..” In Clinical Infectious Diseases, 23:47–47. UNIV CHICAGO PRESS, 1996.
    Link to Item

Some information on this profile has been compiled automatically from Duke databases and external sources. (Our About page explains how this works.) If you see a problem with the information, please write to Scholars@Duke and let us know. We will reply promptly.

Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Conference Papers