The Human Microbiome and Next-Generation Sequencing in infectious diseases

The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has revolutionized scientific approaches, including in the field of microbiology. To translate the scientific discoveries of recent years into clinical practice, we have explored ways to implement and use NGS to inform healthcare practitioners at the bedside. We performed NGS in several nosocomial infectious disease scenarios and used it to genetically characterize novel, emerging, and non-model microorganisms in a clinical context. As antimicrobial resistances are on the rise, the monitoring and tracking of such multi-resistant bacteria is an ongoing topic here at IMMH. 
Furthermore, we are expanding our research of the human microbiome to infectious diseases in the field of parasitology. We are interested in identifying bacterial species that contribute to the progression and treatment outcome in e.g. schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis. To study the role of the human microbiome in parasitic infections and neglected infectious diseases of the Global South, we collaborate with partners in e.g. Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa.