Thesis subject

Isolating antibiotic resistance genes from the bacteria in our guts

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens represents a major problem in healthcare. Recently, bacteria that are not only resistant to antibiotics, but in fact use them as carbon and/or nitrogen source, have been found to be widespread in soil and GI tracts. However, since a large proportion of the bacterial species in the human gut are not shared between individuals, there seems to be a large unexplored reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes to be probed.

We aim to uncover new antibiotic resistance genes, as well as the species that host them. Furthermore, we will test whether these antibiotic resistance genes are mobile, which means that they can be transferred between common microbial inhabitants of the GI tract.

Methods

  • Growing (anaerobic) bacteria
  • DNA isolation
  • Making a DNA library
  • Transformation experiments
  • PCR amplification
  • Sequencing and gene annotation

More information

Project for MSc students with interest in Microbial Ecology

Supervisor: Dr. Mark van Passel
Contact info: mark.vanpassel@wur.nl
Tel: 0317-483113
Laboratory of Microbiology
Microbiology building, room 0023
Duration: 4-6.5 months
Credits: 39 (max.)

This project is primarily designed for an MSc thesis (6 months), though those interested in a short term (4 months) project are encouraged to contact me as well. This project aims togive students insights into microbial ecology, and the basic genetic tools in microbiology. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information.