Shakeel Shahzad
Research Title: Resistance of Acinetobacter spp. to Cationic Antimicrobials, and Effects on Pathogenicity
Supervisors: Mark Willcox and Muhammad Yasir
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Acinetobacter听is a gram-negative coccobacillus that has emerged as an infectious agent of clinical importance in hospitals worldwide. Clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii can demonstrate high rates of resistance to the cationic antimicrobial lipopeptides (AMLPs) polymyxins with diversified mechanisms of resistance. These mechanisms are not yet fully understood. New cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being developed as antibiotics. However, whether resistance to AMLPs cross reacts with resistance to these new AMPs is not clear and will be explored in this project. Identification of collected isolates of Acinetobacter spp via Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth micro-dilution. MICs will be determined against polymyxins, AMPs (e.g. LL37, Mel4 and Melimine) and cationic disinfectants (e.g. Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB), Chlorohexidine and Polyquaternium-1). Mechanism of action of cationic antimicrobials and resistance towards cationic antimicrobials will be determined by using membrane depolarization assays. Determination of genetic determinants of resistance will be done by whole genome sequencing. VirulenceFinder will be used to analyze virulence sequences and their relationship to antimicrobial resistance genes. The effect of resistance to AMPs/AMLPs during infection will be investigated in an animal model.
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Education
- Master of science (M.Phil) Microbiology 2014-2016
- Bachelors of Science (Microbiology) 2010-2014
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Biography
Shakeel Shahzad is a dedicated microbiologist with expertise in microbiological testing, molecular diagnostics, and quality control. He holds an M.Phil. in Microbiology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and has contributed to research on antimicrobial resistance and COVID-19 immuno-pathogenesis. Shakeel has hands-on experience with microbiological assays, sterility testing, and SOP development for lab processes. Committed to continuous learning, he has completed certifications in molecular diagnostics and lab safety. His academic excellence earned him the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund Scholarship, a Prime Minister鈥檚 Merit Laptop, and the 黑料网大事记 International Postgraduate Award. Now based in Sydney, Shakeel is an active member of the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM), the Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet), and contributes to the WHO National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for science drive his continued growth in the microbiology and healthcare sectors.
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Awards
- University International Postgraduate Award from 黑料网大事记 Sydney 2022
- Laptop from Prime Minister Merit Youth laptop scheme 2016
- Punjab Educational Endowment Fund from Punjab, Pakistan 2010-2014
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Memberships and Affiliations
- WHO National Action Plan for antimicrobial resistance
- Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
- Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet)
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- Publications
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- Shahzad, S., et al. "Evaluation of synergistic antimicrobial effect of vitamins with antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains." Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance 13 (2018): 231-236.
- Shahzad, S., et al. "Identification of novel in vitro antibacterial action of cloprostenol against multi-drug resistant A. baumannii." The Journal of Antibiotics (2019).
- Shahzad, S., et al. "Immuno-pathogenesis of nCOVID-19 and a possible host-directed therapy." Medical Hypotheses (2020).
- Shahzad, S., et al. "The Possible Role of Prion-Like Viral Protein Domains in SARS-CoV-2." Journal of Molecular Evolution (2022).
- A. Shahzad, S. Arshad, F. Zubair, S. Shahzad, F. Batool, Q. Fu "Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Timolol Maleate, Moxifloxacin, Diclofenac, and Dexamethasone in Plasma." Journal of Chromatographic Science (2023).
- Shahzad, S., Willcox, M.D. "A Review of Resistance to Polymyxins and the Evolution of mcr Gene." Antibiotics (2023).
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