Research_
Molecular Genetics Lab (Firth Lab)
Genetics, mechanisms and evolution of resistance in staphylococci
We use genetical, molecular biology, biochemical, biophysical, cell biology, genomics, functional genomics and bioinformatic methods to understand the acquisition, maintenance and dissemination of resistance genes in staphylococci.
Multiresistant strains of the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus ("Golden Staph") are a frequent cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide, and are increasingly a cause of serious infections in the broader community. One reason for the intransigence of S. aureus is the resistance of some strains to up to twenty different antimicrobial agents (antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants). In most cases, resistance genes have been acquired by horizontal transfer mediated by mobile genetic elements (plasmids, transposons, insertion sequences, etc.)
Our people
- Associate Professor Neville Firth
- Dr Stephen Kwong
- Associate Professor Slade Jensen (Honorary Associate)
- Emeritus Professor Ron Skurray
Collaborators
Opportunities
For information about opportunities to work or collaborate with the Molecular Genetics Lab, contact Associate Professor Neville Firth.