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A study of the emergence of Clostridium difficile from across the farm-to-fork continuum

School of Biological Sciences | PHD
Funding
Unfunded
Reference Number
SBIO-2020-1066
Application Deadline
None specified
Start Date
None specified

Overview

Recent research suggests that Clostridium difficile is an emerging foodborne pathogen of public health concern and commercial significance for the Irish agri-food sector. This project will initially undertake a systematic literature review to identify gaps in knowledge. Key knowledge deficits to be addressed will include a microbiological survey of cattle, sheep, poultry and pigs on the farm, in the abattoir and on associated meat products. Ready-to-eat (RTE) salads will also be investigated as a vehicle of transmission.

All isolates will be subject to initial molecular characterization [ribotyping and PCR testing for the main virulence factors (toxin genes tcdA, tcdB, the binary toxin genes cdtA and cdtB and the tcdR and tcdC regulatory genes)] and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Spore germination and growth in relevant food products/storage conditions (as identified by the gap analysis) will also be investigated. Whole genome sequencing will be used to investigate the genetic relatedness of human clinical isolates and foodborne C. difficile and the virulence potential in a broad range of Irish C. difficile isolates including an assessment of the emergence of new pathogenic strains in the future. A microbiome analysis will be performed in the different ecological niches in which this organism is found. All of the data generated will be used to rank meats and other relevant foods in terms of C. difficile risk, quantitatively assess the effect of season, cross-contamination and cold-chain conditions on the germination efficiency/survival of C. difficile spores and assess the contribution of contaminated meat/other foods to the increased risk of infection in patients treated with antibiotics.

All applicants must meet the academic entry requirements: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/biological-sciences-phd.html#entry

Project Summary
Supervisor

Professor Seamus Fanning

Research Profile


Mode of Study

Full-time: 3 years


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