Opportunistic bacteria pose a threat to public health, particularly immunosuppressed individuals. Genomics of opportunistic bacteria empower the analysis and better understanding of their evolution, transmission, development of antibiotic resistance, and enables more effective interventions. Although opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are widely studied globally, there is a lack of comprehensive research in Lithuania on their genomic diversity and evolution. Despite the high prevalence, little is known about the intrahost diversity of opportunistic bacteria, such as M. tuberculosis, and how this diversity changes during the course of infection. Such studies can provide critical insights into pathogen adaptation, virulence, and treatment resistance.
The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the intrahost and interhost genomic diversity of opportunistic pathogens using bioinformatic methods to understand bacterial genomic evolution, adaptation, and transmission pathways. Leveraging sequencing data and the latest bioinformatic approaches, the project will aim to determine how genetic diversity within the host impacts bacterial ability to evade immune responses, the key mechanisms driving resistance development, and the factors contributing to chronic infection. It is expected that these studies will help improve treatment strategies and result in more effective public health interventions for managing opportunistic bacterial infections.
Mokslinis vadovas / supervisor: dr. Miglė Gabrielaitė
Kontaktai / Contacts:
tel. / phone: +370 64842767
Programme: Biology N 010