Research Group Data-driven Clinical Microbiology

The junior research group “Data-driven Clinical Microbiology” aims to enhance the understanding of infections caused by hospital-associated bacterial pathogens. We leverage data collected during hospital stays, including reported or newly diagnosed pre-existing conditions, specific laboratory values, and information regarding the necessity and duration of intensive care.
Additionally, routine diagnoses of bacterial infections generate substantial data, such as pathogen growth characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles (antibiograms). Thanks to our close collaboration with the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology of MHH, we can utilize this data to derive prognoses and risk assessments for specific pathogens.
To classify bacteria based on their relatedness or to clarify the functions of certain genes, we analyze the entire bacterial genome through next-generation sequencing, enabling precise characterization. This process also produces vast amounts of data that help us better understand bacterial pathogens in the hospital context. Integration of clinical and diagnostic data with the genome information enables answering the following key questions: What enables bacteria to cause infections? How are they transmitted within the hospital environment? What characteristics do multidrug-resistant bacteria exhibit? What insights can be gained from whole genome sequencing for the treatment of these pathogens?
The hypotheses guiding our research projects are derived from Dr. Knegendorf's experience in diagnostics and the area of antimicrobial therapy consultation. These hypotheses are carefully formulated to address the current challenges in diagnostics and treatment, ensuring that our research is directly relevant to improving patient care and outcomes.