Our Research
Epidemiology is the study of patterns of health and disease, and is a cornerstone of public health, shaping policy decisions and identifying risk factors for disease.
This information is important as it can reveal new areas at risk of outbreaks and inform treatment strategies.
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A key component of the epidemiology of infectious agents is phylogenetics.
Phylogenetics provides details about the relationship of species, their evolutionary history and potential, and intra-population variation, each of which can influence disease severity, outcome and treatment
Our research centre uses whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetics to study the evolution and population genetics of fungal pathogens. Our analysis has revealed new species of fungal pathogens and new sub-populations within species. We also explore the evolution of gene families with phylogenetics, thereby identifying new genes that are involved in virulence, which can be experimentally validated or form the basis for novel future treatment strategies.
Credits
Rhys Farrer (text)
