Using next generation approaches to define epidemiology and develop therapies for the neglected cystic fibrosis lung pathogen Burkholderia multivorans

Burkholderia multivorans is a transmissible and problematic cystic fibrosis (CF) lung pathogen. Despite now being most common Burkholderia in CF, it has been one of the least studied.

Working with CF experts and industry, you will undergo cross-disciplinary training in genomics, virulence modelling and novel therapy development.

Microbial lung infection is the major cause of death in people with CF, with routine therapy often relying on continuous treatment with antibiotics. Several antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens have emerged as problems in CF and transmissible Burkholderia species are one of the main causes of premature death. Epidemic spread of Burkholderia cenocepacia strains caused it to be dominant from the 1990s to early 2000s, but with infection control reducing transmission, Burkholderia multivorans has now become the most common CF Burkholderia. Unlike B. cenocepacia, the pathogenesis and the source of infection for B. multivorans remains elusive. Within the GW4, the supervisory team, represent a unique combination of leading expertise in CF microbiology, and they will work with bioinformaticians (TC), chemists and industry to deliver a cross-disciplinary PhD.

For further details of this project, please see our website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/project/using-next-generation-approaches-to-define-epidemiology-and-develop-therapies-for-the-neglected-cystic-fibrosis-lung-pathogen-burkholderia-multivorans