Aims:
The student will develop mechanistic models for the evolution of AMR in bacterial pathogens, with a specific focus on species relevant to the pig farming industry (including Streptococcus suis, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli). The models will be validated using data from farm surveys and experiments recently or currently conducted by the Department. Both supervisors are investigators on existing grants funded by the BBSRC and the MRC that cover sample collection, AMR testing and genome sequencing.

Objectives:
(i) Develop a dynamic framework for the circulation of bacterial species and mobile AMR genes within farms in the absence of disease and treatment.
(ii) Estimate key parameters by fitting models to genomic data from asymptomatic carriage.
(iii) Model selection pressures created by interspecific competition and antibiotic treatment, within and between hosts, using data from clinical cases in pig farms and experimental infections (collected as part of an MRC grant).
(iv) Simulate alternative drug regimens and treatment strategies (guided by veterinary expertise) that may reduce or counter selection for AMR.

Supervisors:

• Dr Olivier Restif http://bit.ly/2n9EJJ2
• Dr Lucy Weinert http://bit.ly/2zIAE4x