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PRODID:-//University of Otago//Events Calendar//EN
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UID:https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/events/microbiology-seminar-megan-mcleod
URL:https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/events/microbiology-seminar-megan-mcleod
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261012T130000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261012T140000
SUMMARY:Microbiology seminar: Megan McLeod
DESCRIPTION:Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, with Fiji experiencing an ongoing outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb). Bacteriophage (phage) therapy offers a potential treatment for drug-resistant infections but is not currently used in human medicine in Fiji or Aotearoa New Zealand. My PhD research took an interdisciplinary approach to investigate phage therapies for CRAb, from biological development to public acceptance. Four phages infecting Fijian CRAb were isolated and characterised, and two candidate phage cocktails developed. Investigation of phage-resistant mutants identified transposition of insertion sequences into capsule biosynthesis genes as a key driver of resistance in these CRAb isolates. Notably, one phage selected for phage-resistant CRAb with increased antibiotic susceptibility. Qualitative interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand explored public perceptions of phage therapy, revealing high acceptance among participants. Key factors informing acceptance and strategies for communicating phage therapy were identified. Together, these findings can inform the future implementation of phage therapy in Oceania. 
LOCATION:Biochemistry Seminar Room G.13 (BIG13), 710 Cumberland Street, Dunedin
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