Microbial ecology and metagenomics of a foodborne pathogen
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Postgraduate Research Service
Abstract
Campylobacter is the commonest bacterial cause of diarrhoeal disease in the UK, where is it most often associated with the consumption of poultry, and amongst the top five causes of diarrhoeal disease in low and middle-income countries, where transmission routes are unclear. The detection of Campylobacter is challenging as it is difficult to grow in the laboratory, suggesting an important role of the microbial communities in which Campylobacter thrives - in laboratory conditions it is grown as a pure culture. Metagenome, culture independent, sequencing of samples where Campylobacter is found, offers an approach which can be used to examine the interaction between Campylobacter and the total microbial diversity of a sample.
This multidisciplinary project will examine the microbial communities associated with both the presence and absence of Campylobacter on chicken. This may suggest novel mechanisms to reduce the survival of Campylobacter in the food chain. This project will include both wet lab and dry lab components; culturing for the diversity of Campylobacter, exploring competitive exclusion of Campylobacter, and whole genome and metagenome sequencing and analysis.
This multidisciplinary project will examine the microbial communities associated with both the presence and absence of Campylobacter on chicken. This may suggest novel mechanisms to reduce the survival of Campylobacter in the food chain. This project will include both wet lab and dry lab components; culturing for the diversity of Campylobacter, exploring competitive exclusion of Campylobacter, and whole genome and metagenome sequencing and analysis.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Alison Mather (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/T008717/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2028 | |||
2445272 | Studentship | BB/T008717/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2024 |
Description | Engagement with Industry Cranswick Foods) - discussion session |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | This was an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations with Industry and share research findings that may be beneficial in food production. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Norwich science festival 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The activity involved hosting an activity table with a game aimed at children and their parents to learn about microbiology and evolution. This was a one-day event at the Forum in Norwich, part of the Norwich Science Festival. The feedback from participants indicated interest and eagerness to learn more about the subject area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Visit to Quadram Institute and policy roundtable with Food Standards Agency Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Robin May |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Prof Robin May visited the institute and researchers involved in food safety research gave presentations about their work. This was followed by discussions about the implications of the findings. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Year 10 science camp |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | This activity involved a virtual workshop for Year 10 students in order to inspire and inform about careers in science. As part of the activity, PhD students did a presentation about their work and journey into science. This was followed by a Q&A session, and the feedback indicated that the students were more informed and more likely to pursue a career in science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |