Defining how oxygen availability influences the growth characteristics of Klebsiella spp

Overview

Klebsiella spp. are found in a range of different environments. They are early colonisers and commensals of human skin, oral, nasal, throat and gut microbiotas, but also contribute to a wide range of nosocomial infections (e.g. pneumonia, wound, urinary tract or bloodstream infections, sepsis). The human gut microbiota represents a nutrient-rich environment, encompassing aerobic (oesophagus), microaerobic (small intestine) and anaerobic (large intestine) niches. Viable Klebsiella populations can be recovered from all these niches. The human bladder represents a nutrient-poor environment with limited oxygen availability, yet Klebsiella spp. can grow in urine under the microaerobic conditions characteristic of this organ. Beyond our recent work on Klebsiella pneumoniae that contribute to urinary tract infections, how Klebsiella spp. survive the different oxygen conditions seen across human microbiotas has been little studied but could give insights into how these bacteria contribute to colonization and infection processes.

This project will use classical microbiology and omics approaches to study the effects of oxygen availability on the growth and phenotypes of a range of different Klebsiella spp. It would suit a student keen to develop a mixture of laboratory-based and computational skills.

You will be part of the Antimicrobial Resistance, Omics and Microbiota (AROM) research theme based on the Clifton Campus of Nottingham Trent University (NTU). In addition to attending weekly AROM meetings, where you will have the opportunity to present your work, you will be encouraged to present your work at national and international scientific conferences and to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed journals. You will also receive additional relevant training through events and activities organised through NTU's Doctoral School and the School of Science and Technology.