Research
Dorina`s research focuses on characterisation of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in companion and farm animals, as well as the genomic epidemiology depicting interspecies transmission of multidrug resistant bacteria between humans, animals, and the environment. She also has a particular research interest in the epidemiology of healthcare associated infections in human and veterinary hospitals.
Surveillance of multidrug-resistant pathogens and molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates from companion animals
Current research includes molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in man and companion animals and in particular, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Enterobacteriaceae. Rare or unusual clinical isolates obtained from the diagnostic resource are also investigated and used for publication as “case reports” or as part of epidemiological studies to determine the spread and severity of AMR.
As a result of my research activity in this field, I am an Associate Member of the Dept of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health.
Implementing detection of carbapenamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Romanian hospitals
My veterinary work has now extended into surveillance of AMR in man, with a special focus on hospital acquired infection in Romanian hospitals.
Much of the knowledge exchange I deliver from my research activities is detailed in the previous section and needs no repetition.
A very important development of the Liverpool-Iasi link has led to me becoming a Romanian Government advisor to develop programmes to reduce antimicrobial resistance development in Romania where it is a very severe threat, as in many other developing countries. I am a founder member of a Romanian Health Department Working Group which is developing national guidelines for surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) in Romanian hospitals. This group is focused on the implementation of a national surveillance system to rapidly identify infected or colonized patients and allow implementation of appropriate infection control measures to prevent further AMR spread within hospitals.
Infection control in veterinary hospitals
Research grants
Develop and pilot approaches to surveillance for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in and equines
VETERINARY MEDICINES DIRECTORATE (UK)
October 2024 - March 2028
Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in clinical isolates from companion animals in the UK
VETERINARY MEDICINES DIRECTORATE (UK)
April 2024 - March 2025
Efficacy of environmental microfibre and steam-cleaning technology for removal of bacterial pathogens in veterinary hospitals
PET PLAN CHARITABLE TRUST (UK)
December 2022 - June 2024
PhD: Preventing Neonatal Infectious Arthritis in Lambs: Sources, Transmission and Characterisation of Streptococcus dysgalactiae
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (UK)
October 2019 - June 2024
Resistance of canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius to selected topical and systemic antimicrobials in the UK
PETSAVERS (UK)
April 2017 - May 2019
The emerging problem of antimicrobial resistance in equines: Investigating carriage and infections with multidrug resistant bacteria in horses
THE HORSE TRUST (UK)
August 2016 - October 2021
Molecular characterisation of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in broiler chickens and abattoir workers in Romania
BRITISH SOCIETY FOR ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY (UK)
September 2012 - February 2013
Implementing detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermentative bacteria in Romanian hospitals – learning from the western experience
SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
June 2014 - September 2015
Detection of ESBL and MRSA – technology transfer to diagnostic laboratories in Romania
SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
June 2012 - April 2013
Research collaborations
Dr Nicolle Stoesser, Prof. Derreck Crook
Using Whole Genome Sequencing in deciphering the diversity of NDM-1 plasmids in a Serratia marcescens outbreak at a single hospital in Romania
Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
Prof. Luca Guardabassi, Dr Carmen Espinosa
PREscriber Perspectives on Antibiotic use and Resistance Education in Europe –A joint European Research project
PREPARE-VET group
A joint European Research project-which aims to identify specific unmet needs in undergraduate education on appropriate antibiotic prescribing through surveying students from veterinary schools across Europe
Prof. Nicola Williams; Dr. Gina Pinchbeck
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animal pathogens, infection control and molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant pathogens
Co-supervision of PhD students; Work on detection and characterisation of Extended spectrum beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae from companion animals clinical and environmental isolates.
Dr Linda Falgenhauer, Prof. Dr. Trinad Chakraborty.
Antimicrobial resistance in ST410 CTX-M-15-producing E. coli isolates from Germany and UK
Institute of Medical Microbiology,Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
Characterisation of antimicrobial resistance in ST410 CTX-M-15-producing E. coli isolates from Germany and UK from dogs by whole genome sequencing
The Institute of Cardiovascular Disease IBCV, Iasi, Romania and The Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Disease and Transplant, Targu Mures, Romania
Implementing detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria in Romanian hospitals
Detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria in Romanian hospitals
The Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (IBCV) Iasi, Romania
Implementing detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria in Romanian hospitals
Detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria in Romanian hospitals
Iasi Veterinary School, Romania
Teaching and research
Dorina has been awarded a Visiting Professorship at Iasi Veterinary School, Romania from July 2012 in recognition of her contribution to teaching and research in the Iasi School of Veterinary Science, the academic institution where DT has worked before moving to the UK in 2004.