mouse model
This PhD thesis studied Gram negative bacterial isolates carrying the New Delhi metallo β lactamase (NDM) gene, which renders them highly resistant to many antibiotics. It involved molecular analyses to confirm NDM presence, antibiotic susceptibility profiling, and in vivo testing of Manuka honey as a potential antibacterial agent in a mouse infection model. Findings may guide alternative treatments for drug resistant infections and inform antibiotic stewardship strategies in Pakistan.
This MPhil research focused on Group B Streptococcus isolates that are resistant to erythromycin. The study assessed their susceptibility to different antibiotics, phenotypically characterized their resistance, and used molecular techniques to detect the ermB and mefA genes known to contribute to erythromycin resistance. The results are important for guiding therapy choices for infections caused by GBS, particularly in pregnant women and neonates, and for monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends locally. This study focuses on the molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Candida species, which are increasingly responsible for hard-to-treat fungal infections. By analyzing the drug susceptibility patterns, the project aims to identify the genetic or molecular mechanisms behind their resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs. Additionally, the in-vitro efficacy of selected synthetic organic compounds will be tested to evaluate their potential as alternative antifungal agents. Together, these approaches may support the development of more effective treatment strategies against resistant Candida infections. This project investigated the phenomenon of Vancomycin MIC creep in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains that carry the mecA or mecC resistance genes. MIC creep refers to a gradual increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Vancomycin over time, which may signal reduced drug efficacy. The study also includes molecular typing to identify clonal relationships among the MRSA isolates, helping to understand the spread and evolution of resistant strains. These findings can aid in monitoring resistance trends and improving treatment strategies. This study focuses on the molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Candida species to understand the genetic factors behind their resistance to antifungal drugs. It also investigates the drug susceptibility patterns of these resistant strains through laboratory testing. Additionally, the research evaluates the in-vitro efficacy of newly developed synthetic organic compounds against these Candida isolates. The goal is to identify potential alternative treatments to combat infections caused by drug-resistant Candida and improve antifungal therapy outcomes. This study investigates plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in Gram-negative rods isolated from both humans and animals. It involves microbiological testing to identify resistant bacterial strains and molecular characterization to analyze the genetic elements, such as plasmids, responsible for spreading colistin resistance. Understanding this resistance mechanism is crucial because colistin is often a last-resort antibiotic. The project aims to assess the risk of transmission between animals and humans and support strategies to control the spread of resistant bacteria. This study focuses on the molecular characterization of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi to identify genetic factors driving resistance. It also evaluates the in-vitro activity of the antibiotic combination Ceftazidime-Avibactam against XDR S. Typhi strains. The research aims to understand resistance mechanisms and assess the effectiveness of this novel treatment option, which could help manage infections caused by XDR S. Typhi, improving therapeutic strategies against typhoid fever. This study aims to detect disinfectant-resistant genes in clinically important bacteria isolated from the hospital environment of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. It investigates the distribution of these resistant strains and evaluates their susceptibility to commonly used disinfectants. Understanding the presence and spread of disinfectant resistance is crucial for improving infection control practices and preventing healthcare-associated infections by ensuring effective disinfection protocols in hospital settings. This study focuses on the genetic analysis of colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, exploring the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance and associated virulence factors that contribute to its pathogenicity. Additionally, the project evaluates the antimicrobial effect of Saussurea lappa, a medicinal plant extract, against resistant A. baumannii strains. The aim is to better understand resistance mechanisms and assess the potential of Saussurea lappa as an alternative treatment option for combating drug-resistant infections caused by this challenging pathogen. Completed Research Projects
1. Molecular characterization of New Delhi metallo β lactamase (NDM) producing Gram negative rods and the efficacy of Manuka honey against NDM strain in mouse model
2. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of group B Streptococcus, phenotypic characterization and molecular detection of ermB and mefA genes in erythromycin resistant strains
3. Molecular Characterization of drug susceptibility pattern of multidrug resistant candida species and in-vitro efficacy of synthetic organic compounds
4. Vancomycin MIC Creep and Identification of Clonal Types of mecA and mecC Positive Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
5. Molecular Characterization and drug susceptibility pattern of multi drug resistant candida species and in-vitro efficacy of synthetic organic compounds.
6. Microbiological and molecular Characterization of Plasmid Mediated Colistin Resistance in Gram Negative Rods Isolated From Humans and Animals
7. Molecular Characterization of extensively drug resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi and In-Vitro activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against XDR S.Typhi
8. Detection of Disinfectant Resistant genes, distribution and susceptibility to disinfectants of clinically important bacteria isolated from the hospital environment in tertiary care hospital in Lahore
9. Genetic Analysis of Colistin Resistance, Associated Virulence Features and antimicrobial effect of Saussurea lappa in Acinetobacter baumannii.
10. Molecular Characterization of ESBLs in non-fermenting Gram negative rods isolated from paediatric patients and in-vitro activity of Ceftazidime-avibactam.
This study investigates the molecular characterization of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) in non-fermenting Gram-negative rods isolated from paediatric patients. It aims to identify the specific ESBL genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in these clinically important pathogens. Additionally, the in-vitro activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam is evaluated to assess its effectiveness against ESBL-producing isolates. The findings may help guide better treatment strategies and infection control measures for managing drug-resistant infections in vulnerable paediatric populations.
11. In-Vitro activity of Plazomicin against MBL Producing Enterobacteriaceae and molecular characterization of NDM, VIM and IMP Genes
This study evaluates the in-vitro activity of Plazomicin, a next-generation aminoglycoside, against Metallo-lactamase (MBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae. It also involves molecular characterization of key resistance genes, including NDM, VIM, and IMP, which are responsible for carbapenem resistance. By identifying these genes and testing Plazomicin’s effectiveness, the research aims to explore alternative therapeutic options and improve understanding of resistance mechanisms in Enterobacteriaceae, which pose a significant threat in clinical settings due to limited treatment options.
