The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

EDUCATION

Research Projects

Project: Unravelling the drivers of group A streptococcal pandemics

Davies Group

Outbreaks of scarlet fever and invasive disease associated with  Group A Streptococci (GAS) have occurred recently in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. This project applies genomic epidemiology approaches to examine the emergence and transmission of GAS clones and associated mobile genetic elements within a global context. Specifically, we will examine the population structure of pandemic associated GAS lineages, apply statistical genetic models to identify common disease signatures and examine the movement of mobile genetic elements to this alarming health problem.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Dr Mark Davies

Project Co-supervisor

Associate Professor Steven Tong

Project availability
PhD/MPhil
Master of Biomedical Science
Honours

Davies Group

mark.davies1@unimelb.edu.au

4 vacancies

Themes
Antimicrobial Resistance
Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Discovery Research
Computational Science and Genomics
Indigenous Health
Public Health

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