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Clinical metagenomics
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is transformative approach in microbial diagnostics and patient care, because it can be used to detect and characterise all known pathogens – bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic – from a sample in a single test within a clinically actionable timeframe. The application of metagenomic next generation sequencing in a diagnostic setting has the potential to transform patient care, enabling personalised approaches to infectious diseases treatment, including countering antimicrobial resistance. The MRFF funded Meta-GP program will develop and implement clinical metagenomic diagnostics for infectious diseases in Australia.
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Public health genomics
Molecular epidemiology of bacteria and viruses are an important component of outbreak investigations and can be used for analysis on global diversity of circulating strains. These projects apply whole genome sequencing techniques to characterise the transmission and evolution of pathogens of public health interest.
Professor Deborah Williamson
(03) 8344 5470 | deborah.williamson@unimelb.edu.au
- Position:
- Honorary Professorial Fellow
- Theme(s):
- Viral Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
- Discipline(s):
- Education & Professional Development, Computational Science and Genomics, Global Health, Public Health, Clinical and health systems research
- Unit(s):
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL)
- Lab Group(s):
- Williamson group
Professor Deborah Williamson is a University of Melbourne Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Deborah is a clinician-scientist involved in the delivery of specialist public health laboratory services, and in the diagnosis and surveillance of communicable diseases. The Williamson research group focuses on the development and application of diagnostic technologies, including genomics, to infectious diseases. Their research has directly influenced the way microbiology is applied to clinical practice and public health, including responses to antimicrobial resistance, sexually-transmitted pathogens and COVID-19.