Clinical metagenomics for rapid diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis
- Research Opportunity
- PhD students
- Department / Centre
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Location
- Doherty Institute
Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr Sarah Dunstan | sarah.dunstan@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Associate Professor Deborah Williamson | deborah.williamson@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
Summary Technological advances in whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of genome sequence data has created an opportunity for sputum metagenomic sequencing to be developed as a rapid diagnostic tool for drug resistant TB. This project aims to combine clinical metagenomics with a robust, portable, low-cost sequencing technology to deliver potent genomic-based diagnostics to resource limited and remote settings.
Project Details
The global tuberculosis (TB) situation is dire with 10 million falling ill and 1.6 million deaths in 2017. Of those, 558,000 people developed multi-drug resistant (MDR)/rifampicin resistant TB, with only 25% starting treatment. Despite coordinated global efforts and increased investment in TB control, the current tools to fight TB are insufficient to end the global TB epidemic. Technological advances in whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of genome sequence data has created an opportunity for sputum metagenomic sequencing to be developed as a rapid diagnostic tool for drug resistant TB. This project aims to combine clinical metagenomics with a robust, portable, low-cost sequencing technology to deliver potent genomic-based diagnostics to resource limited and remote settings. Sputum metagenomic sequencing of TB has the potential to minimise diagnostic delay and increase MDR-TB detection, thereby supporting early initiation of appropriate treatment, improved patient outcomes and control of MDR-TB transmission at both an individual and population level.
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
PhD students
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department / Centre
Research Node
Doherty InstituteMDHS Research library
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