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XL CICLO | Bianchi Gloria

BIANCHI GLORIA

PhD student in Ecology and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources

Cicle: XL

Supervisors: Dott. Maura Manganelli (ISS), Prof. Daniele Canestrelli

Thesis title: A One Health approach to antibiotic resistance: role of toxic freshwater cyanobacteria in the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance. A study of cultures and natural communities

Email: gloria.bianchi@unitus.it

Curriculum Vitae

Keywords: Cyanobacteria (CB), horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), freshwater environments, cianotoxins (CTXs)

  • Personal profile and research interests

    I am 26 years old and I graduated in Cellular and Molecular Biology. My research interests are linked to understand the role of cyanobacteria in the spread of antibiotic resistance in freshwater environments studying different aspects of cyanobacteria and effects of antibiotics on them

  • PhD project

    The objective of the project is to contribute to clarifying the role of cyanobacteria (CB) and cyanotoxins (CTXs) on the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in freshwater envoironments to implement primary prevention measures that limit exposure to CTXs and the spread of AMR in the environment. A further objective is to improve the surveillance system in line with what is requested by the EU.
    The results of a pilot project financed by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità will be extended to multiple species and natural populations, where the effects of antibiotics (AB) on the production of toxins have never been studied. The following aspects will be explored: the potential impact of CB and CTXs on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) between bacteria and between bacteria and cyanobacteria, their role as a natural reservoir and the effects of AB on CB and toxin production. The subinhibitory concentration of AB in water effective in promoting the evolution of new ARBs or influencing the production of CTXs will be analysed to see which CTXs and at what concentrations can promote HGT.

  • Publications