Karim Mehrazar , Ph.D., MT (ASCP), NCA (CLS)
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology/Medical Technology Program
School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Morgan State University
1700 E. Coldspring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251

Key Hall 163
(tel) 443-885-1553
(fax) 410-426-4732
Email: mehrazar@jewel.morgan.edu

Biographical Sketch

Born in Tabriz, Iran, Dr. Mehrazar completed his Medical Technology training at the University of Tabriz in 1974. He served in the Iranian Air Force as a 2 nd lieutenant as required by the Iranian government prior to his immigration to USA. He pursued his passion in Clinical Microbiology at Indiana State University. In 1981 he received his MS degree in Clinical Microbiology. After an intense course work and clinical laboratory training he was certified by ASCP and NCA. Dr. Mehrazar worked as a general MT and microbiologist in several major Hospitals in Chicago area including one-year Clinical Microbiology internship at the famous Chicago Cook County Hospital. In 1990 he was successful to receive his Ph.D. in Immunology from The Chicago Medical School. Since then he has worked as a research and senior scientist at several pharmaceutical laboratories including Baxter International and Abbott Laboratories. He joined the staff of a start up biopharmacological company, Molecular Geriatrics Corporation and worked closely with the CEO of the company Dr. Ferid Murad, the 1998 co-recipient of Nobel Prize in Medicine. Profound desire in teaching and interaction with students has brought Dr. Mehrazar to academic environment. He started teaching Medical Laboratory Technician students at Indiana University Northwest and then joined Morgan State University in 1996. He teaches pathogenic bacteriology, clinical immunology, and clinical microbiology to Medical Technology students. His greatest achievement is marrying to his wife and together raising two wonderful sons, Michael and Matthew.

Research Interest

Dr. Mehrazar has participated in development of several immunochemical assays to study monoclonal and polyclonal antibody purification for Hepatitis B Surface antigen to conjugate them to paramagnetic particle, DNA probe (IMx) assay development to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae from clinical specimens, developed an automation immunoassay microplate format for drug screening assay to cure Alzheimer's disease, developed several monoclonal antibody producing cell lines, and a very sensitive hemoglobin detection assay to study microhemorrhage. Dr. Mehrazar’s research interest involves evaluation of methods to prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases including understanding the role of cell entry through intact or compromised (eg. traumatized) vaginal environment.

Recent Publications

1. Mehrazar K , and Kim YB: Total parenteral nutrition in germfree colostrum-deprived neonatal miniature piglets: A unique model to study the ontogeny of the immune system. J Parentr Enteral Nutr, 12: 563-568, 1988.
2. Mehrazar K, Gilman-Sachs A, Knisley KA, Rodkey LS, and Kim YB: Comparison of the immune response to Ars-BGG in germfree or conventional piglets. Dev Compra Immunol. 17: 459-464, 1993.
3. Mehrazar K, Gilman-Sachs A, and Kim YB: Intestinal absorption of immunologically intact macromolecules in germfree colostrum-deprived piglets maintained on total parenteral nutrition. J Parentr Enteral Nutr, 17: 8-15, 1993.
4. Mehrazar K, Ciulla A, Harmening DM, Ogamdi S, and Stumpe M: Surviving the shrinking budget, Discussion group III. Curricula for the 21st Century. An interinstitutional symposium Proceedings, Ed. DM Harmening, CC Stambach, and DL Koonce, DMRT and DH Publishing and Consulting: 67-68, 1997.
5. Khanna KV, Whaley KW, Zeitlin L, Moench TR, Mehrazar K, Cone RA, Liao Z, Hildreth JEK, Hoen TE, Shultz L, and Markham RB: Vaginal transmission of cell-associated HIV-1 in the mouse is blocked by a topical, membrane-modifying agent. J. Clin. Invest, 109: 205-211, 2002.
6. Jerse AE, Crow ET, Bordner AN, Rahman I, Cornelissen CN, Moench TR, and Mehrazar K: Growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the murine genital tract does not require the gonococcal transferrin or hemoglobin receptors and may be enhanced by commensal lactobacilli. Infect. Immu. 70: 2549-2558, 2002.
7. Mehrazar K, Ciesla B, and Wilson D: Acute Meningitis in a 20-Year-Old Female College Student. American Society for Clinical Pathology, TechSample Generalist No. G6: 31-34, 2003.
8. Moenich T, Mehrazar K, Cone R, and Blumenthal P : Sensitive methods to detect epithelial disruption: tests for in cervicovaginal lavages. J. Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2004; 37 (suppl 3): S194-S200).