Comparison of Streptococcus spp. antimicrobial resistance and virulence for sepsis isolates from LMIC and UK

This is a Self-Funded/Sponsored PhD opportunity.

FUNDING REQUIRED:

• Full UK/EU or International Tuition Fees
• UK Living Expenses
• Bench Fees

Open to all students of any nationality without restrictions (UK/EU and International)

Description:

This project builds on expertise derived from previous study of Streptococcus species isolated from several sources: 1) Adult sepsis case isolates of atypical streptococci submitted to UK Health Security Agency since 2015 (40 isolates); 2) Neonatal sepsis case isolates collected in Uganda since 2019 (currently 50 isolates, collection continuing); and 3) BARNARDS2 prospective collection in Nigeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh staring January 2024. All isolates will be investigated for resistance to key antibiotics (macrolides, lincosamides, phenicols, penicillins, aminoglycosides, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and tetracyclines) in addition to surface capsule type determination and PCR clade typing. Isolates will be whole genome sequenced to establish mechanisms of resistance, capsule typing, and virulence gene carriage as well as virulence modelled in Galleria mellonella to identify relative virulence gene association. The data produced will be matched with clinical metadata and geographically distant strain collections used to determine variations spread of mobile resistance mechanism, dominant capsule type (to guide vaccine recommendation) and evidence of large and small scale genomic rearrangement. Evaluation of efficacy for first and second line therapeutics for each species and region of collection will be evaluated and where appropriate recommendations for alteration in therapy (taking into account local availability and cost) will be fed back to the site of collection to avoid likely situations of treatment failure.

Entry Requirements  

Applicants should possess a minimum of an upper second class Honours degree, master’s degree, or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS). 

How to Apply  

This studentship has a start date of October 2024. In order to be considered you must submit a formal application via Cardiff University’s online application service.

There is a box at the top right of the page labelled ‘Apply’, please ensure you select the correct ‘Qualification’ (Doctor of Philosophy), the correct ‘Mode of Study’ (Full Time) and the correct ‘Start Date’ (October 2024). This will take you to the application portal. 

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information: 

 • Supporting statement 

• CV 

• Qualification certificates 

• References x 2 

• Proof of English language (if applicable)