Project summary:
The cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is often difficult to diagnose, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where diagnostic tests are limited. Additionally, the pathogens circulating in LMICs may differ to targets of current tests or the infection may be due to an unknown virus from zoonotic origin. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding of the circulating pathogens and their impact on the disease burden affects predominantly Sub-Saharan Africa. Metagenomic sequencing provide an agnostic diagnostic tool for investigating the diversity of pathogens infecting a patient and circulating within a population.
We propose to use this precision medicine approach to provide an unbiased investigation of respiratory samples collected from a cohort of adults with hospitalized LRTI in Blantyre, Malawi between 2013 and 2015. No aetiology was identified in a third of the patients. We hypothesise that these infections are due to viruses untargeted by current diagnostic tests, known viruses that have diverged sufficiently from targeted viruses in the current test, and/or unknown viruses of zoonotic origin. Identifying novel viruses through this method will contribute to better diagnostic and management of LRTI in Malawi.
The student will be trained in a combination of bioinformatics, genomics, general virology, respiratory virology and virus evolution.
Project Q&A Session
Tuesday 6th December, 1000 hrs.
ZOOM Meeting
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85685283104?pwd=N2hTYmhsL2duVTRPdkNCb2Z5UnNkdz09
Email: [Email Address Removed] for password information.
About the Programme
This MRC programme is joint between the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. You will be registered at the host institution of the primary supervisor detailed in your project selection.
All applications should be made via the University of Edinburgh, irrespective of project location. For those applying to a University of Glasgow project, your application along with any supporting documents will be shared with University of Glasgow.
How to Apply: https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/mrcdtpprecisionmedicine/howtoapply/
Please note, you must apply to one of the projects and you must contact the primary supervisor prior to making your application. Additional information on the application process is available here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=919
For more information about Precision Medicine visit:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/precision-medicine
Application Enquiries
Alexis Merry
[Email Address Removed]
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