I lead a research group studying antibiotic resistance (ABR) in bacteria. We use molecular genetics, biochemistry and functional genomics techniques to identify and characterise ABR mechanisms in key human pathogens, their mobilisation, and their control. We then use this information to combat the problem of ABR by developing interdisciplinary research collaborations. 

Our current basic work aims to characterize multi-drug resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. We have studied mechanisms of β-lactam and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor resistance (e.g. Satapoomin et al., (2022) Antimicrob Agents Chemother), aminoglycoside resistance (e.g. Dulyayangkul et al., (2024) PLOS Pathogens), polymyxin resistance (e.g. Cheung et al., (2020) Antimicrob Agents Chemother), fluoroquinolone resistance (e.g. Dulyayangkul et al., (2020c) Antimicrob Agents Chemother), and nitrofurantoin resistance (e.g. Dulyayangkul et al., (2024) Antimicrob Agents Chemother).

We use this new biological understanding to develop pipelines that automatically predict ABR from genome sequence (e.g. Reding et al., (2024) Brief Bioinformatics). To translate these findings into the clinic, we are research partners in the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, led by Prof Sarah Walker at the University of Oxford. We work alongside Prof Nicole Stoesser, Oxford, and Dr Katie Hopkins, UKHSA, to study the molecular basis of novel resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. We specifically focus on the impact of resistance gene expression on resistance phenotype (e.g. Matlock et al., (2025) Nature Communications).

We have collaborated with organic chemists and structural biologists to develop β-lactamase inhibitors (e.g. Brem et al., (2022) Nature Chemistry).

We have helped investigate the potential for sensing ABR bacteria in urine samples via volotile profiling (e.g. Drabinska et al., (2021) Adv Med Sci). Working with Prof Andy Dowsey (Population Health Sciences), we are investigating the utility of MALDI-TOF AND LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry to identify ABR bacteria directly from culture positive blood. Working with Dr Massimo Antognozzi (Physics), we are helping to develop novel sensors that can rapidly test for ABR bacteria in clinical samples. This project received a global Longitude Prize Discovery Award and its IP is licenced to Fluoretiq Ltd and is being translated into primary care urinary tract infection care pathways through an NIHR I4I award.

Working alongside Dr Philip Williams (Bristol Royal Infirmary, UKHSA) and Prof Andy Dowsey, we are using regional phenotypic susceptibility testing data to develop decision-support tools to inform empiric prescribing for bloodstream infection (e.g. Bamber et al., (2024) Infect Dis Ther), pyelonephritis (e.g. Williams et al., (2025) JAC-AMR) and urinary tract infection. These tools are currently being translated though a partnership with UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust funded by MRC and EPSRC.

I lead the One Health Selection and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance (OH-STAR) consortium. Working with Prof Alasdair MacGowan (Southmead Hospital) and Dr Philip Williams we are using phenotypic susceptibility testing data and whole genome sequencing (WGS) to monitor urinary E. coli (e.g. Findlay et al., (2020) J Antimicrob Chemother) and all Gram-negatives from bloodstream infection within the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board region (1.2 million people). Our aims include monitoring ecological shifts resulting from local antibiotic prescribing policy changes. We also use WGS to understand the transmission and selection of ABR in healthcare settings (e.g. Cheung et al., (2021) Antimicrob Agents Chemother). On the animal side of OH-STAR, we have worked with Prof Kristen Reyher (Bristol Vet School) to define the environmental and management factors that influence acquisition and selection of ABR bacteria in cattle (e.g. Schubert et al., (2021) Appl Environ Microbiol), in dogs (e.g. Sealey et al., (2023) One Health) and in zoo animals (e.g. Sealey et al., (2023) J Antimicrob Chemother).  We are using investigating food chain and river water risks for ABR bacterial transmission from farmed animals to humans and domestic pets (e.g. Sealey et al., (2025) One Health; Sealey et al., (2026) One Health; Sealey et al., (2026) Clinical Microbiology & Infection). 

Working with Prof Alastair Hay and Dr Ashley Hammond (Population Health Sciences) alongside colleagues at UKHSA (Prof Susan Hopkins; Dr Colin Brown and others) in a series of NIHR-funded randomised controlled trials, we aim to identify how changes in antibiotic prescribing practice in primary care can be used to alter the prevalence of ABR infections in humans (e.g. Hammond et al., (2020) PLOS One). 

I lead the One Health Drivers of Antibacterial Resistance in Thailand (OH-DART) consortium. Working with colleagues at the Universities of Exeter and Bath, Mahidol University, Chulabhorn Research Institute and the UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology, our aim is to define and prioritise the drivers of ABR in humans in the community in Thailand taking a multi-disciplinary approach. We modelled the impact of the Thai 5-year national plan on ABR reduction (Booton et al., (2021) One Health), surveyed for antibiotic use among Thai people, identifying significant amounts of unrecognised use (Alhusein et al., (2024) Glob Public Health), characterised drivers of antibiotic use (or lack thereof) among Thai aquaculture farmers (Alhusein et al., 2025 Front Vet Sci), identified circulating virulence plasmids with global significance (Gibbon et al., (2025) Lancet Microbe) and we are investigating risk factors associated with the excretion of 3GC-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella spp in hospitalized people and those in the community.

We contribute to the FARMS-SAFE consortium, led by Prof Kristen Reyher, to work alongside colleagues at the Universities of La Plata and Rio Cuarto to monitor ABR (e.g. Mounsey et al., (2024) Appl Environ Microbiol) and to identify the drivers of ABR in Argentinian Pig and Dairy farming systems.

We are are part of the Welsh Government-funded Arwain DGC consortium, where our primary role is to use molecular ecology to survey ABR on Beef, Sheep and Dairy farms across Wales and to investigate mechanisms of farm-to-farm transmission of ABR bacteria (e.g. Peltonen, et al., (2026) J Antimicrob Chemother).

Current Grant Funding

• 04/25-04/30: NIHR, £0.7M
• 04/22-04/27: Welsh Government, £2.8M
• 05/24-05/27: NIHR, £1.4M
• 07/23-07/28: NIHR, £2.9M

Completed Grants

• 09/24-12/25: MRC, £0.1M
• 03/23-01/25: BBSRC, £0.2M
• 01/20-01/25: MRC, £0.2M
• 08/19-09/24: BBSRC, £1.0M
• 05/18-02/22: MRC, £2.9M
• 10/17-09/25: MRF, £4.1M
• 09/16-12/21: MRC, £1.8M
• 06/16-09/21: NERC, £1.4M
• 04/16-10/17: MRC, £0.2M
• 09/15-09/17: EPSRC, £0.6M

Research Team

• Aimee Daum, BSc, BBiomedSc(Hons) (Aukland) - PhD Student
• Beatriz Llamazares, BVSc (Leon), MSc (Copenhagen), PhD (Bristol), MRCVS - Research Associate
• Lisa Moiseienko, BSc, MSc (Kyiv) - PhD Student
• Olly Mounsey, BSc, MRes, PhD (Bristol) - Senior Research Associate
• Noora Peltonen, BSc (Hartpury), MRes (Bristol) - Research Technician
• Naphat Satapoomin, BSc (Newcastle) - PhD Student
• Katie Sealey, BSc, MRes (Kingston), MSc (QMUL), PhD (Bath) - Research Associate
• Yuiko Takebayashi, BSc (Nottingham), MRes (Bristol), PhD (Birmingham) - Senior Research Associate
• Kezia Taylor, MSci (Oxford) - PhD Student

Collaborators

• Prof Jim Spencer (BaBMS)
• Dr Liam Shaw (BaBMS)
• Dr Kate Heesom (Bristol Proteomics Facility)
• Prof Kristen Reyher, MRCVS (Bristol Vet School)
• Prof Andrew Dowsey (Bristol Vet School)
• Prof Alastair Hay, MRCGP (Bristol Medical School)
• Prof Helen Lambert (Bristol Medical School)
• Dr Ashley Hammond (Bristol Medical School)
• Dr Matthew Booker (Bristol Medical School)
• Dr Helen Baxter (Bristol Medical School)
• Dr Massimo Antognozzi (Physics)
• Prof Alasdair MacGowan FRCPath (Southmead Hospital)
• Dr Philip Williams FRCPath (Bristol Royal Infirmary, UKHSA)
• Dr Fergus Hamilton MRCPath (Bristol Medical School)
• Dr Amy Carson (Southmead Hospital)
• Prof Skorn Mongkolsuk (Chulabhorn Research Institute)
• Dr Jutamaad Satayavivad (Chulabhorn Research Institute)
• Dr Punyawee Dulyayangkul (Chulabhorn Research Institute)
• Prof Visanu Thamlikitkul (Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok)
• Dr Walasinee Sakcamduan (Mahidol University)
• Dr Luechai Sringernyuang (Mahidol University)
• Dr Andrew Singer (UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology)
• Prof Ed Feil (University of Bath)
• Prof Susan Hopkins (UKHSA)
• Dr Colin Brown (UKHSA)
• Prof Sarah Walker (Oxford)
• Prof Nicole Stoesser (Oxford)
• Prof David Eyre (Oxford)
• Dr Katie Hopkins (UKHSA)
• Prof Luzbel de la Sota (University of La Plata)
• Dr Nora Mestorino (University of La Pata)
• Dr Julian Perada (University of Rio Cuarto)
• Dr Mattias Pellegrino (University of Rio Cuarto)