International Funded Projects

1) Whole genome sequencing of phage sequences and analysis (Trimester 1)
2) Phenotypic characterization of the candidate phages using transmission electron microscopy (Trimester 1)
3) Lytic profiles and potency of the individual candidate phages and phage cocktails against natural hosts (Trimesters 1 and 2)
4) Testing of host range using newly selected MDR APEC strains (Trimesters 1, 2 and 3)
5) Monitoring of phage resistance and WGS of APEC mutant strains (Trimesters 2 and 3) Identification of novel APEC-specific lytic phages to improve the lytic potential and hostrange of the phage cocktails.

1) Whole genome sequence analysis for investigating the resistome, pathogenicity and prevalence of VAGs in the MPEC isolates and its comparison with the E. coli isolates from cattle fecal material to estimate ARGs and VAGs distribution in both set of strains
2) Comparative genome analysis of the MPEC, UPEC and APEC isolates to identify zoonotic markers and estimate its possible zoonotic potential
3) Using machine learning approaches (Random Forest, decision tree etc.) to predict the most significant contributing factors of Mastitis infection in cattle.

1) 1) Arrangement of special trainings for the farm workers and owners for proper handling of the animals, poultry and their products
2) Public awareness campaigns and community-based workshops for farmers regarding zoonotic infections and avoiding chances of spreading the infections
3) 3) Bilingual (English & Urdu) database facility for livestock & Poultry zoonotic infections

1) Whole genome sequence analysis of the food borne pathogens, especially E. coli.
2) Comparative genome analysis of the isolates to analyze resistome, virulence and zoonotic markers and estimate the possible zoonotic potential
3) Using machine learning approaches (Random Forest, decision tree etc.) to predict the most significant contributing factors of Mastitis infection in cattle.

1) Isolation and detailed characterization of large phage collection from different habitats which are specific to the pathogenic strains causing UTI, colibacillosis, and mastitis. (The AntiBacter research lab at ASAB has already prepared a good collection of phages, which showed promising results in animal models, therefore; all the protocols have been optimized for further applications).
2) Commercialization of our already prepared phage products and collaborations with hospitals, poultry sector organizations, and livestock farms to promote the large-scale applications of phages. Also, we aim to analyze the outcomes of field applications of phages to further improve the product.
2) Identification of pathogens from patients suffering from chronic infectious diseases, and screening of potential phages from our collection or isolation of new phages to deliver personalized phage treatments. This includes targeting infections against which antibiotics are not working.