Summary:
To develop a novel real-time array diagnostic tool for Burkholderia pseudomallei that can be used to identify and characterise this high recombination pathogen.
To achieve this we will first identify and sequence the genomes of close relatives of B. pseudomallei. We will then compare the sequences of these near neighbours to available whole genome sequences of B. pseudomallei. This will enable us to identify genomic components that are unique to B. pseudomallei.
These unique genomic components will become the targets for the novel diagnostic tool. Such a tool will be the most highly sensitive and specific of its kind and will represent a critical advancement for the detection of this easily and frequently misidentified pathogen.
Chief investigators:
- Associate Professor Dave Wagner
- Professor Paul Keim
- Professor Bart Currie
Project manager:
Contact information:
Project dates:
The study commenced in 2012 and is scheduled to conclude in 2016.
Funder:
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency USA (DTRA)
Collaborator:
- Northern Arizona University
- Price, E.P., Sarovich, D.S., Mayo, M., Tuanyok, A., Drees,K. P., Kaestli, M., et al. (2013). Within-Host Evolution of Burkholderia pseudomallei over a Twelve-Year Chronic Carriage Infection. Mbio 4(4).