Characterisation and epidemiology of resistance determinants

Molecular analysis

Molecular analysis is becoming increasingly important in the activities of the Laboratory. We are interested in the application of molecular technology for the diagnosis of infection and for characterization of bacterial isolates (detection of antibiotic resistance and virulence markers, sub-species typing). In particular we have introduced, or are working on, assays for:

• Direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in samples and characterization of mycobacteria in liquid cultures
• Typing and detection of virulence and antimicrobial resistance markers in Staphylococcus aureus
• Detection and typing of Clostridium difficile.

We have also undertaken gene sequencing for determination of resistance mechanisms in Streptococcus pneumoniae and detection of resistance markers in Gram negative bacilli by microarray analysis.