Microbial Genomics

Microbial Genomics represents emerging field of microbiology dedicated to the analysis of microbial genomes.
Microorganisms such as bacteria are present in virtually every environment, from frozen Poles to deserts as well as in our skin and bowels.
They play a positive role as symbionts, e.g. intestine microbiota, but they can also play a role as pathogens.
The emerging of an ever increasing number of antibiotic resistant pathogens outbreaks poses an alarming treat to the human communities, especially to the weakest sections of society, such as children and the elderly.
From whole bacterial genome to 16S Metagenomic Sequencing, NGS gives a large set of advanced genomic tools able to quickly identify and characterize microbial strains, therefore providing high resolution information about bacteria, viruses and parasites genomes, thus enabling a deep understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for drug resistance or increased virulence.