O’Toole – Microbiology, molecular epidemiology
Our research utilises the latest technologies in next generation sequencing of DNA to improve our understanding of how microorganisms spread and cause disease. We are particularly interested in bacterial infections which are responsible for a high amount of illness or can be difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics.
Research areas
Our research group's main focus is the use of genomics to track the transmission of infectious agents and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance by human pathogens. Specific projects include:
- Applying genomic epidemiology to track the origin and spread of healthcare-associated pathogens such as Enterococcus faecium
- Mapping the acquisition of antibiotic resistance by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in relation to treatment outcomes
- Correlating genotypes of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae strains with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presentations
Meet the team
Publications
See a full list of publications on Google Scholar [external link], ResearchGate [external link], ORCID [external link] or view Dr Ronan O'Toole's profile.