burnetii strains (>200) available from WP1 and WP2 representing the diversity of strains from different hosts (livestock and human) and clinical outcomes will be selected for WGS. Genomic variation arising from both large chromosomal rearrangements and single nucleotide polymorphisms will be captured using a combination of long- (MinION) and short-read (Illumina) sequencing.
A comprehensive phylogeny of C. burnetii strains within Europe will be constructed using sequenced and assembled genomes. This will be used to inform strain selection for phenotypic analyses in WP4.1 and to investigate host-adaptation and zoonotic potential in WP4.2. Sequence data will also be used to develop molecular probe-based assays to obtain genotype information from unculturable samples.
WP3 Leads
Dr. Stephen Fitzgerald
Stephen is a molecular bacteriologist specialising in zoonotic bacterial pathogens at the Moredun Research Institute, UK. His work focuses on genetic and phenotypic characterisation of Coxiella burnetii.
Dr. Xavier Bailly
Xavier is a molecular epidemiologist of animal and zoonotic pathogens at INRAE, France. His work uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to understand and characterise livestock pathogens.
