Unlocking the potential of the blood microbiome for disease surveillance

Project summary

Crohn’s disease, a chronic bowel disorder, frequently necessitates surgery, with post-operative recurrence posing a significant challenge. To address this issue, I explore the potential of microbial DNA present in the bloodstream as a predictive marker for recurrence. Recent discoveries challenging the conventional belief in sterile blood underpin this pioneering research. If successful, it could enhance disease management by enabling early intervention in high-risk patients, while also broadening our understanding of microbial material translocation.

Insights from this research may extend to ecological microbiology, environmental science, and other fields, shedding light on the movement of microbes within different ecosystems, beyond healthcare applications.