My research interests encompass the molecular
genetics of microbial pathogenesis in animals and plants.
We aim to isolate and characterise genes from bacterial and fungal
pathogens that are implicated in the infectious process. This involves
pathogenicity assays, genetic fingerprinting, PCR amplification
of selected genes, DNA sequencing, bioinformatic and genomic analysis
and gene expression studies. In part, these results are used to
promote new identification aids and to provide insights into epidemiology
and taxonomy. We also employ molecular tools to explore the evolution
of the gene transfer mechanisms that have equipped pathogens to
overcome host defence responses and to defeat antimicrobial therapies.
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