While bacteria are establishing an infection within the human body, they are fighting against multiple pressures. The bacteria are exposed to low oxygen conditions and a multitude of immune products found at sites of infections. I am looking to see if these conditions are driving the evolution of bacteria and if being in these conditions is linked to characteristics of challenging infections found in the clinic. I will assess this by evolving bacteria and then looking for genetic changes through whole genome sequencing. I will also compare how the bacteria are killed by immune cells and antibiotics.
I am currently carrying out an evolution experiment, growing the bacteria in stresses found in the human body. In the next few months I should be able to see if the bacteria are able to overcome the stresses I am exposing them to.