Dr Odile Harrison

My work explores the population genomics of bacterial pathogens. I am particularly interested in defining bacterial lineages using genome data as this has the potential to allow strains associated with distinct pathologies including antimicrobial resistance to be more rapidly identified. Such information brings with it opportunities for improving diagnostics, preventing infection through vaccination and the capacity to limit antimicrobial resistance. My research involves the analysis of whole genome sequence data belonging to the sexually transmitted pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis as well as the meningitis causing pathogens Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae. 

I am an editorial board member for the Journal of Infection and a fellow of the Higher Education academy.