Project: Unravelling the drivers of scarlet fever pandemics
Davies Group
Outbreaks of scarlet fever associated with multi-drug resistant Group A Streptococci (GAS) have occurred recently in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. We recently examined the genomic basis behind the scarlet fever outbreak in Hong Kong. This project expands on these findings 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 scarlet fever associated lineages, apply statistical genetic models to identify common disease signatures and examine the movement of mobile genetic elements to this alarming health problem.
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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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Population genomics of endemic Streptococcus pyogenes
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Application of systems genomics to analysing the dynamics of Streptococcus pyogenes infection
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Evolution of streptococcal pathovars
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Unravelling the drivers of scarlet fever pandemics
PhD/MPhil, 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.