Bacteria can live in almost all possible environments on earth. In general, they contribute to the stability and health of ecosystems and are very beneficial. However, some bacteria when in contact with humans can cause diseases. Despite the efforts to control them using antimicrobial agents, some of these bacteria have developed resistance and impose a threat to public health. The ability to resist antimicrobial agents lies on the genetic content of these bacteria, in their genes. Though this is a negative outcome for humans, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes give bacteria higher chances of survival and are likely also present in environmental bacteria. However, little is known of the origin of these genes and their prevalence in other ecosystems (e.g. Antarctic, not dominated by humans).

This project aims to evaluate the genetic content of bacteria of different environmental samples and assess the prevalence and origin of AMR genes. Methods from metagenomics, comparative genomics and phylogenetics will be used for this project.

For more information, contact the primary supervisor A/Prof Chris Greening <chris.greening@monash.edu>