Aleksandra Giza

National Veterinary Research Institute

aleksandra.giza@piwet.pulawy.pl

Poland

Working Groups: WG3, WG4

Scientific Expertise: High throughput sequencing of bacterial and viral species of veterinary and environmental origin

Contribution: WG3 – using omic methods for confirmation of biosecurity measures effectiveness. Identification and genomic characterization of bacterial cultures isolated from different sources: animals/farm environment/ feed and in different types of production systems. Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) - fast identification of pure bacterial cultures to the species level High throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq) of bacterial species and environmental samples - detailed characteristics of bacterial cultures based on sequence typing; identification of AMR genes; phylogenetic analyses - identification of specific bacterial/viral genetic material in environmental samples, without culturing WG4 – Task 4.5 – design of a training course for veterinarians and farmers.

Motivation: Attendance in the COST Action is a chance for my career development. I’m interested in the implementation of methods for animal welfare and biosecurity measuring. Taking part in the cost action networking enables communication with other scientists with similar interests and interdisciplinary experience. I’m starting my PhD research and I hope attendance in this action will be helpful in expanding my knowledge and experience in biosecurity.

Scientific Background: I work as a deputy head in the Department of Omic Analyses at National Veterinary Research Institute as a research and technical specialist and I am responsible for the high throughput sequencing lab. My major task is the implementation of high throughput sequencing of animal and food-borne pathogens (e.g. Salmonella, E.coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, SARS-CoV-2, AIV). This research is used in epidemiological investigations, phylogenetic analyses, and characteristics of bacterial and viral species. I work with different sequencing platforms (Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies) using different applications: whole genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, metagenomic and metataxonomic of bacteria (analysis of 16S rRNA gene) in environmental samples. I participate in several projects, e.g. from One Health consortium (CARE, Full-Force). My scientific focus area is the research of animal welfare and antibiotic resistance of poultry in different farming systems and backyard holdings.

Aleksandra Giza

COST

Action CA20103

Action Details