Genomic evolution and epidemiology

The hospital environment is unique, as it concentrates a high number of bacterial agents, frequent antibiotic use, and patients with weak immune systems. This combination favours the development and selection of antibiotic resistant strains and the spread of opportunistic infections: in general the thriving of nosocomial pathogens. We are studying the genomic evolution of important nosocomial pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.