Pathogen Genomics and Global Health

Nematode.net

Nematode.net is a publicly available resource dedicated to the study of parasitic nematodes. The Genome Institute and collaborators are sampling key human, animal and plant nematode parasites and sequencing whole genomes of these organisms as well as cataloging genes and molecular pathways important to their pathogenesis. The primary aim of Nematode.net is the dissemination of this diverse collection of information to the broader scientific community in a way that is useful, consistent, centralized and enduring.

Helminth Genomics

Parasitic roundworms (called nematodes, a form of helminth) have a major, long-term impact on human health and cause substantial suffering, particularly in children. The parasites’ infection of animals and crops worldwide also has a major impact on the economy and exacerbates the global food shortage. The Genome Institute is using integrated approaches to help develop more efficient and sustainable parasitic nematode control programs.

Trichinosis Parasite Gets DNA Decoded

Kinetoplastid Sequencing

The kinetoplastids are a group of protozoa that include three major human disease-causing parasites: The Leishmania parasites and the African and American trypanosomes, each of which rank within the top 10 in terms of global impact.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to most commonly used antibiotics. Hospital patients are particularly susceptible. One form, called community-acquired MRSA, affects the general population, often causing significant morbidity and mortality in otherwise healthy children and adults. This project aims to discover key genes involved in this invasive community acquired form of MRSA infection.

Pneumococcus Vaccine in the Gambia

The Genome Institute is collaborating with researchers in the Gambia to understand what makes a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia so deadly and how its vaccine affects the microbial populations that colonize infants.