Investigating molecular mechanisms of Clostridium difficile colonisation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Clostridium difficile remains aetiological agent for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) within the UK, with 13,268 reported cases of C. difficile Infection (CDI) between April 2017 and March 2018. The majority of reported cases result from nosocomial infections; however, the proportion of community-acquired infection is on the rise. Animals of agricultural importance such as bovine and swine are hypothesised to act as reservoirs for a few ribotypes capable of inter-species transmission. Also, C. difficile is a leading cause of diarrhoea in piglets in many parts of the world. The mechanisms and interaction involved in the colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract is still poorly understood, thus this project aims to define genes important for the early stages of infection using sequencing-based technologies. Identification and functional analysis of proteins critical to C. difficile colonisation will enhance our understanding of C. difficile pathogenesis and lead to effective interventions for CDI.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Meera Unnikrishnan (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jeffrey Cheng (Student) |
Publications
Cheng JKJ
(2023)
Regulatory Role of Anti-Sigma Factor RsbW in Clostridioides difficile Stress Response, Persistence, and Infection.
in Journal of bacteriology
Frost LR
(2021)
Clostridioides difficile biofilms: A mechanism of persistence in the gut?
in PLoS pathogens
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M01116X/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1897785 | Studentship | BB/M01116X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2022 | Jeffrey Cheng |
Description | Public Science Evening: Bad Cell Service |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | On the 1st May, the QBP hosted a public science evening to explore the idea of 'Bad Cell Service', and what happens when cells misbehave. There were talks from PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and professors, each giving a unique insight into cellular biology. We also included a range of tours that allowed our guests to get a behind the scenes look at the exciting research that takes place, and the facilities that we have here. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/qbp/public/pastevents/ |
Description | University of Warwick Science on the Hill |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Approximately 50-70 people attended an evening where researchers and students alike communicate their research. The evening aims to highlight current global crises that occur within the biological world and how our research aims to combat this. The audience members were primarily composed of teenagers, embarking onto either GCSE, A levels or a higher level education and senior members. We have hoped to influenced the publics views on the growing crisis of AMR and other bacteriological problems that exist. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/about/publicengagement/events/scienceonthehill/ |