Project: Quantifying bacterial recombination within globally evolving streptococcal pathogens
Davies Group
High strain prevalence and extensive genetic diversity are key features of bacterial pathogens such as the Group A Streptococcus (GAS) that cause endemic disease in low-income settings throughout the world. Strain diversity and prevalence are likely associated, but the genetic mechanisms that underpin the maintenance of high strain diversity observed within streptococcal endemic settings remains poorly understood. Over the past decade, we have compiled a large database (>2000 genomes) of GAS genomes from around the world. Our preliminary investigations suggest that genomic recombination occurs much more frequently than previously appreciated, especially within disease endemic settings. By taking advantage of our unique genome databases, this project will use the latest population genomic tools and advanced Bayesian statistical (ABC) interference methods to quantify and model the role that recombination plays in maintaining GAS strain diversity within a global context.
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Davies Group
3 vacancies
The Davies group aims to apply genome sequencing methodologies and bioinformatics approaches to understand the evolution and transmission of bacterial pathogens. This knowledge can help facilitate a global understanding of pathogen evolution, in addition to informing public health intervention to reduce the disease burden associated with bacterial pathogens. Current projects address key research questions such as: is there a genetic difference between strains causing different disease manifestations? What is driving the emergence and dissemination of bacterial pathogens? Do host immune factors govern disease severity? Our research closely aligns with key international collaborators including the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom.
Davies Group Current Projects
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Application of systems genomics to analysing the dynamics of Streptococcus pyogenes infection
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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The space of evolutionary trees in infectious disease epidemiology
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Quantifying bacterial recombination within globally evolving streptococcal pathogens
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Evolution of streptococcal pathovars
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Integrative infectious disease phylodynamics
PhD/MPhil
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Unravelling the drivers of scarlet fever pandemics
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Using genomics to investigate the transmission of skin pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in a ‘One Health’ setting
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.