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Dr Shivanthi Samarasinghe

Job: Associate Professor/Reader - Microbial Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: School of Allied Health Sciences

Research group(s): Biomedical and Environmental Health

Address: De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 207 8870

E: ssamarasinghe@dmu.ac.uk

W: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/alliedhealthsciences

 

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Personal profile

Dr Shivanthi Samarsinghe is a Associate Professor/Reader in Mocrobial Genetics and Genomics in the School of Allied health Sciences, De Montfort University. She obtained her BSc (Hons) in Chemistry/Biochemistry, and completed her PhD, in Microbial Molecular Genetics in 2008.

Dr. Samarasinghe’s doctoral work focused studying on the regulation of gene expression in Escherichia coli and her postdoctoral work (2011) expanded her interest into Eukaryotic regulation of gene expression in Saccharomyces pombe.

Research Interest: Molecular biology of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens;

The focuse of  my research is to understanding the molecular basis of the antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens assocaited with common microbial infections. This involves characterisation of the resistant determinants at the molecular level, how they acquire resistance genes (pathogen’s horizontal gene transfer) and analyse the mechanism by which these pathogenic microbes confer antimicrobial resistance. Further, my research team explores the use of cutting-edge Next-generation sequencing and Real-Time PCR-based approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of microbial infections. By leading the Moleculerbiology of drug-resistant pathogens research group, I effectively engage in the DMU's research priority theme of Lifelong Well-being and university's strategic research priorities in the United Nation's Sustainability Development Goals; specifically, in the area of promoting the well-being of mothers, babies and older adults.

Research group affiliations

  • Biomedical and Environmental Health
  • DMU-Willows  Centre for Primary Care Research

Publications and outputs

  • Phytochemical Composition, In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Linn Leaves Extracts against Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-Producing Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae
    dc.title: Phytochemical Composition, In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Linn Leaves Extracts against Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-Producing Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae dc.contributor.author: Mustapha, Adam; AlSharksi, Ahmed Nouri; Eze, Ukpai A.; Samaila, Rahma Kudla; Ukwah, Boniface Nwofoke; Anyiam, Arinze Favour; Samarasinghe, S.; Ibrahim, Musa Adamu dc.description.abstract: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae family associated with a wide range of diseases, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Infections caused by drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae pose a significant threat to the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Hence, this has led to the need to explore alternative antimicrobial therapies, especially natural products derived from plant sources. This study assessed the phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties and performed a molecular docking analysis of Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis L.) extracts on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude ethanol and methanol extracts of L. inermis L. were prepared at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/mL) and tested on extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytocompounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and further subjected to virtual ligands screening with DataWarrior (v05.02.01) and a molecular docking analysis using AutoDock4.2 (v4.2.6). The active compounds of L. inermis L. were determined by the docking analysis, including phytochemical, physicochemical, pharmacokinetics and docking score. The GC-MS analysis identified 27 phytoconstituents, including ethyl acetate, sclareol, 2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine, α-bisabolol and 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-oxobutyl)-coumarin-4-yl carbonate. The 27 compounds were then screened for their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The results revealed that the methanol extracts at 100 mg/mL showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) zones of inhibition (13.7 ± 1.2 mm), while the ethanol extracts at 50 mg/mL were significantly lower (6.3 ± 0.6 mm) compared to all the other treatments. The docking analysis revealed that out of the 27 compounds identified, only twelve (12) compounds have a drug-likeness activity. The 12 compounds were further subjected to docking analysis to determine the binding energies with the CTX-M protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Only one compound [CID_440869; (2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine)] had the best binding energy of −9.76 kcal/mol; hence, it can be considered a potentially suitable treatment for infections caused by ESBLs-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study has demonstrated that L. inermis L. extracts have antibacterial effects. Further research could explore the potential antimicrobial applications of L. inermis L. extracts to many bacterial strains. dc.description: open access article
  • Bacterial Filaments Induced by Antibiotic Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations in Persister Cells.
    dc.title: Bacterial Filaments Induced by Antibiotic Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations in Persister Cells. dc.contributor.author: Mohammed, Haneen N.; Authman, Sawsan H.; AL Marjani, Mohammed F.; Samarasinghe, S. dc.description.abstract: Background: The ability of minor subpopulations among clonal populations to survive antibiotics is referred to as bacterial persistence. It is believed that persisters come from latent cells, where antibiotic target areas are less active and incapable of being affected. Objective: 112 clinical Escherichia coli isolates were acquired out of diverse medical samples and genetically identified using the uspA gene, which is part of the housekeeping genes. Methods: The examination of persister cells was carried out by subjecting isolates of E. coli in the exponential phase with high dose of ciprofloxacin (20 fold MIC) and calculating the surviving persister cells using CFU (colony forming units) counts. The detection and measurement of bacterial filament production was done using scanning electron and light microscopy. Results: Results showed that the bacterial filament cells kept on lengthen but cease to divide (no septa formation) at sub-minimal inhibitory doses of ciprofloxacin. Persistent isolates were shown to exhibit a wide range of form and size variations, with cells up to 4.5 times longer than usual. Conclusions: The results showed the importance of antibiotic stress on persisted cells that result in the production of filaments as a means of survival and the need to examine these rare phenotypic variations. These occurrences may be the beginning of the spread of bacterial resistance. dc.description: open access article
  • Biofilm and Gene Expression Characteristics of the Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales, Escherichia coli IMP, and Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM-1 Associated with Common Bacterial Infections.
    dc.title: Biofilm and Gene Expression Characteristics of the Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales, Escherichia coli IMP, and Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM-1 Associated with Common Bacterial Infections. dc.contributor.author: Al- Bayati, Majid; Samarasinghe, S. dc.description.abstract: In light of the limited therapeutic options with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections, understanding the bacterial risk factors, such as biofilm formation and related gene expression of CRE, is vital. This study investigates the biofilm formation and biofilm-related gene expression of two enteric Enterobacterales with major CR determinants Escherichia coli IMP and Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM-1, which were seen in high prevalence in most common bacterial infections over the past few years. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated the relationship between biofilm formation and the related gene expression, to understand the potential molecular mechanisms during the biofilm formation in CRE. Biofilms were quantified by tissue culture plate assay at the stages of the biofilm development: initial attachment (6 h), microcolony formation (12 h), maturation (24 h), and dispersion (48 h). In a dispersion, event bacteria detach without any mechanical means and colonise another area. To investigate the influence of different growth conditions on biofilm formation, biofilms were quantified under different growth conditions. In parallel, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assessed the biofilm-related gene expression of a cluster of genes, including biofilm maturation, quorum sensing, stress survival, and antibiotic resistance. Structural changes during biofilm development were assessed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We observed that the biofilm formation of CRE is correlated with the biofilm development stages, with maximum biofilm observed at 24 h at the maturation stage. Our data also showed that biofilm growth, under the condition tested, is the major factor influencing the variability of biofilm gene expression quantification assays. qPCR analyses have demonstrated that the expression of biofilm-related genes is highly correlated with phenotypic biofilm development, and these findings can be further expanded to understand the variation in regulation of such genes in these significant CRE pathogens. Our study demonstrated that both CRE strains, E. coli IMP and K. pneumoniae NDM-1, are high biofilm formers, and genes involved in biofilm development are upregulated during biofilm growth. The characteristic of the increased biofilm formation with the upregulation of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-related genes indicates the successful pathogenic role of biofilms of these selected CRE and is attributed to their multi-drug resistance ability and successful dissemination of CRE in common bacterial infections. dc.description: open access article
  • The Anti-Virulence Effect of Cranberry Active Compound Proanthocyanins (PACs) on Expression of Genes in the Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli CTXM-15 Associated with Urinary Tract Infection
    dc.title: The Anti-Virulence Effect of Cranberry Active Compound Proanthocyanins (PACs) on Expression of Genes in the Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli CTXM-15 Associated with Urinary Tract Infection dc.contributor.author: Samarasinghe, S.; Reid, Ruth; Al-Bayati, Majid dc.description.abstract: Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections found in humans, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) being the most common cause. Prevention of UTI is a major global concern due to its recurrent nature, medical cost, and most importantly, the increased antimicrobial resistance among UPEC. The resistance in UPEC is mainly due to the Extended-Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), particularly the E. coli CTXM-15 type which is known for its rapid dissemination worldwide. Treatment options for E.coli CTXM-15 have become limited over recent years because of their multi-drug resistance, hence anti-virulent strategies based on herbal remedies, have considered as a viable option. The cranberry product, Cysticlean® capsules, contain 240 mg of proanthocyanins (PACs), which have been shown to significantly inhibit E. coli adherence, both in vitro and ex vivo, to uroepithelial cells. Method: In this study, the cephalosporin-resistant E. coli isolate NCTC 1553 (E. coli CTXM-15) was analysed by qRT-PCR (quantitative Reverse Transcriptase -Polymerase Chain Reaction) for the expression of virulence factors after treatment with Cysticlean®. qRT-PCR was carried out to detect virulence determinants encoding for toxins SAT, and USP, the iron acquisition system ChuA, the protectins SoxS, KPSM, TraT and RecA, the antibiotic resistance gene CTX-M (encode β-lactamases), and the transporters IdfB and HcaT. Results: Cysticlean® significantly reduced the expression of all ten selected genes encoding for virulence factors and β-lactamases. Conclusion: Cranberry product Cysticlean® could represent a practicable alternative option for the prevention of recurrent UTI caused by multi-drug resistant E. coli CTXM-15, as the product acts on multiple bacterial targets dc.description: open access book chapter
  • Multiple Choice Questions in Microbial Molecular Genetics
    dc.title: Multiple Choice Questions in Microbial Molecular Genetics dc.contributor.author: Al Marjani, Mohammed F.; Samarasinghe, S.; Al Kadmy, Israa M. S. dc.description.abstract: Multiple Choice Questions in Microbial Molecular Genetics Mohammed F. Al Marjani; Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Iraq. Shivanthi Samarasinghe ; Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, The Gateway, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University Leicester, LE1 9BH, United Kingdom. Israa M. S. Al Kadmy; Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Iraq. The MCQ exam will focus on the content delivered in the different sessions that you have performed during your course. Material for the MCQ exam can be drawn from a number of sources but will be based largely on lecture content in the course. In this book, the multiple-choice questions have been prepared with great care such that the questions framed are Precise and clear enabling the reader to make correct choices. A wide coverage of topics in Molecular biology and Genetics is given. The book is primarily meant for students appearing for competitive examinations and to provide the students with feedback on their progress and an opportunity to improve.
  • Estimates of the high prevalence of neonatal sepsis in low-and middle-income countries; A systemic review and a meta-analysis.
    dc.title: Estimates of the high prevalence of neonatal sepsis in low-and middle-income countries; A systemic review and a meta-analysis. dc.contributor.author: Samarasinghe, S.; Akingbemisilu, Deborah
  • The Efficacy of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections during Pregnancy. A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis.
    dc.title: The Efficacy of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections during Pregnancy. A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis. dc.contributor.author: Samarasinghe, S.; Durber, Katie; Baho, Sinan dc.description.abstract: Chlamydia trachomatis infections encountered during pregnancy can lead to many complications for both mother and neonate if left untreated. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to analyse the efficacy of antibiotic treatment infection during pregnancy that established the most effective antibiotic to treat Chlamydia trachomatis infections during pregnancy. PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched to the end of 2019. Randomised control trials that aligned with inclusion criteria of relevant antibiotics Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Clindamycin and Amoxicillin during Pregnancy was included. A systematic review and meta-analysis were used to calculate pooled (i) success of treatment for each antibiotic in several trials and (ii) the total adverse side effects for each drug encountered in several trials. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) selected included 1917 pregnant patients with Chlamydia infections, and 851 have completed follow up assessments. Data from three RCTs observed a higher success of treatment for Azithromycin versus Erythromycin, fixed effect model, odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.32-1.80. Data from three RCTs observed a higher success of treatment for Clindamycin versus Erythromycin OR = 2.43 95%, CI:2.00-2.60. Data from two RCTs showed a higher success of treatment for Amoxicillin versus Erythromycin OR = 3.74, 95%, CI:0.68-13.66. Analysis established that Erythromycin resulted in the most adverse side effects. Azithromycin was determined as the most effective antibiotic to treat C. trachomatis infections during pregnancy due to the high success of treatment. Clindamycin is capable of eradicating C. trachomatis infections in pregnancy and can be considered a secondary antibiotic treatment with fewer incidences of adverse side effects and high levels of successful treatment of the infection, however, due to a lack of studies more analysis will be required to confirm the efficacy of Clindamycin. dc.description: open access journal
  • The anti-virulence effect of cranberry active compound proanthocyanins (PACs) on the expression of genes in the third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli CTX-M-15 associated with urinary tract infection.
    dc.title: The anti-virulence effect of cranberry active compound proanthocyanins (PACs) on the expression of genes in the third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli CTX-M-15 associated with urinary tract infection. dc.contributor.author: Samarasinghe, S.; Reid, Ruth; Al-Bayati, Majid dc.description: open access article
  • The Distribution of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Leicestershire UK Compared to Worldwide
    dc.title: The Distribution of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Leicestershire UK Compared to Worldwide dc.contributor.author: Reid, R.; Samarasinghe, S.; Varnakulasingam, Atheena dc.description: open access article
  • Preliminary Analysis of the Anti-biofilm Efficacy of Manuka Honey on Extended Spectrum Β-lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli Tem-3 and Klebsiella Pneumoniae Shv18, Associated with Urinary Tract Infections
    dc.title: Preliminary Analysis of the Anti-biofilm Efficacy of Manuka Honey on Extended Spectrum Β-lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli Tem-3 and Klebsiella Pneumoniae Shv18, Associated with Urinary Tract Infections dc.contributor.author: Samarasinghe, S.; Baho, S.; Czapnik, Paulina dc.description.abstract: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections in the UK and many other parts of the world. The prevalence of the Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing UTIs, combined with their ability to form a bio film, has significantly risen and is limiting therapeutic options. This study investigated the anti-bio film activity of Manuka honey on two ESBL producing pathogens, Escherichia coli TEM-3 and Klebsiella pneumonia SHV18, commonly found in UTIs. The ESBL production was confirmed by the double disk synergy method used to confirm the ESBL production. The antibacterial activity of Manuka honey was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was established using serially diluted honey ranging from 50% to 1.56%. The effect of Manuka honey on the pathogen bio films was analysed using the Tissue Culture Plate method, with an established MIC and under 24h incubation with the honey. The results indicated that K. pneumonia SHV18 is a stronger bio film producer than E. coli TEM 3. 50% (w/v) MIC Manuka honey appears to fully prevent the plank tonic growth of both strains. A significant reduction of 81% of the E. coli TEM3 (p < 0.001) and 52% of the K. pneumonia SHV18 (p = 0.001) bio film biomass was observed. The E. coli bio films were found to be more sensitive to the 50% (w/v) honey dilution than those produced by K. pneumonia. The study indicated the anti-bio film potency of Manuka honey and its potential to become an alternative treatment for the ESBL producing pathogens associated with UTIs. dc.description: open access article

Click here for a full listing of Shivanthi Samarasinghe's publications and outputs.

Key research outputs

  • Samarasinghe, S. et al, (2008). Autoregulation of the Escherichia coli melR promoter: repression involves four molecules of MelR, Nucleic Acids Research, 1–10, doi:10.1093/nar/gkn119
  • Funaya, C. and Samarasinghe, S. et al, (2012). Transient structure associated with the spindle pole body directs meiotic microtubule reorganization in S.pombe, Current Biology, 22, 1-10, D-11-01295R
  • Elrobh, M., Webster, C., Samarasinghe, S. et al (2012). Two DNA sites for MelR in the same orientation are sufficient for optimal MelR-dependent repression at the Escherichia coli melR promoter, FEMSLE-12-07-0641.R1

Research interests/expertise

  • Key Research theme: Molecular biology of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens;
  • Application of molecular tools for diagnosis of microbial infectious diseases
  • Understanding the molecular basis of regulatory pathways in microbial pathogens
  • Whole genome sequencing  and molecular characterisation of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens .

Areas of teaching

  • Basic Microbiology for Biomedical Science
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics and Genomics- Advanced Biomedical Science
  • MSc in Global Health

Qualifications

  • 05-08/2020: Certificates of Achievement; Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced courses in Bacterial Genomics a) disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance (distinction), b) From DNA to Protein function using Bioinformatics (distinction) c) Accessing and analysing microbial genome data with Artemis (distinction); - accredited by Royal College of Pathology. Wellcome Sanger Institute,UK.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Cell Biology: Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester (2008 -2011)

  • PhD in Microbial Molecular Genetics: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, 2008
  • BSc. Chemistry and Biochemistry: Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka, 2001

Honours and awards

  • Aurora-Leadership Development Programme for Women in Higher Education  UK (01/2021).
  • Next Generation Sequencing Bioinformatics course bursary , Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK (10/2020).
  • The Vice-Chancellor’s Future Research Leader Award- (DMU, 01/2014).
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Cell Biology;Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, BBSRC funded postdoctoral research (01/08/2008- 31/07/2011).
  • PhD studentship in      Microbial Molecular Genetics awarded by The School of Biosciences,      University of Birmingham and the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh      07/2004-07/2008.
  • Awarded for best scientific paper submitted, Science Research Conference, Association of Professional Sri Lankans (APSL), London, 11/2011

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • Institute of Biomedical Science: Fellowship (FIBMS); (no: 402725)  01/2015-01/2016
  • Society for Applied Microbiology: Full Ordinary member (no: 503356) 01/2013-01/2016.
  • Healthcare Infection Society: Full Ordinary member (no: 9030) 07/2014- 07/2016.

 

Professional licences and certificates

Fellow of Institute of Biomedical Sciences (2015)- FIBMS

 

Projects

  • Bioinformatics analysis of the transcription regulators in multi-drug resistant microbial pathogens.
  • Analysis of Quorum Sensing Regulations in the multi-drug resistant Europathogenic E. coli.
  • Development of Quorum –based anti-virulence therapeutics targeting Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Molecular diagnostics of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens.

Conference attendance

1. Samarasinghe, S. and Akingbemisilu, D. (2020). Estimates of the high prevalence of neonatal sepsis in low-and middle-income countries; A systemic review and a meta-analysis. Global Women's Research Society (GLOW)

2. Al-Bayati, M and Samarasinghe, S. (2019). Real-time qPCR analysis of genes expression in carbapenem-resistant bacteria during biofilm formation. European Congress of Clinical Microbiology    &    Infectious    Diseases,    ECCMID,    Amsterdam,    Netherlands.    

3.     Reid,     R.   and Samarasinghe, S. (2018). Rapid Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Identification of ESBL Genes in Urinary Tract Infections without the Need for Melting Curve Analysis. American Society for MicrobiologyConference, ASM Microbe.

4. Reid, R. and Samarasinghe, S. (2017) The 7th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS 2017), Valencia, Spain. Phenotypic and genotypic identification of urinary tract infections caused by E. coli in the  Leicestershire area. 

5.  Reid,  R.  and Samarasinghe, S.  (2015-2018) Identification of ESBL Genes in Urinary Tract Infections. British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, BSAC. Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms Annual Research Conference, Birmingham, UK.

Recent research outputs

Open access Book Chapter; Samarasinghe. S., Reid, R., AL-Bayati, M. (2021). The Anti-Virulence Effect of Cranberry Active Compound Proanthocyanins (PACs) on Expression of Genes in the Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli CTXM-15 Associated with Urinary Tract Infections. In: Wang, L. (ed.) Prime Archives in Microbiology: 2nd Edition. Hyderabad, India: Vide Leaf. (https://aricjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13756-019-0637-9

Samarasinghe, S. Durber, K and Baho, S. (2020) The Efficacy of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections during Pregnancy. A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis. International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, 4 (4), pp. 77-95, IF 5.796

 Open Access Book. Al Marjani, M.F., Samarasinghe, S., Al Kadmy, I.M.S. (2020). Multiple Choice Questions in Microbial Molecular Genetics; DOI https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-947204-8-5

 

Consultancy work

  • 01/2021 - to date: Academic Consultant for Antibiotic Stewardship Steering committee, Willows health- NHS primary care provider in Leicester/Leicestershire. 

Current research students

  1. Asley Alibi (PhD 2021-2025: 1st Supervisor)
  2. Taiye Olorunipa (PhD/PT  2018-2025: 1st Supervisor)
  3. Valina Mylona  (PhD/PT  2018-2025: 2nd Supervisor)

Externally funded research grants information

  • 03/2022- Ministry of Education Nigeria funded PhD studentship. Molecular Characterisation of antibiotic resistant determinants in hopital isolates from South East Nigeria. £56,100 (2nd Supervisor).
  • 01/2022- Self funded International PhD studentship: Evaluale the burdern of burden of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria colonised in mothers and the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) decision support tool for the management of infections during pregnancy and neonates in BME women in Leicestershire.  £50,100  (1st Supervisor)

  • 03/2021- DMU/GCRF- Evaluate the risk factors associated with susceptibility and severalty of Urinary Tract Infection among pregnant women, and build the capacity of rapid and enhanced genomic surveillance in Kenya, £24,385 (Co-PI and Research lead).

  • 09/2019- Shofu Dental Corporation, USA - Determining the ability of the GIOMER product to alter the biofilms and virulence efficacy of P. gingivalis. £19,500. (joint PI)

  • 04/2018- Society for Applied Microbiology President's fund - Development of a rapid multiplex real-time PCR assay to detect ESBL genes. £1,200 - PI

  • 10/2017-12/2025: Self-funded International PhDs (2) and MSc (2) studentships; £63,560-(1st Supervisor).

  • 07/2015- Schwabe pharma (UK). The antimicrobial effect of natural oil extracted from the plant-based product on Gut Microflora is £6,000 (CI).

  • 04/2015-09/2020: Ministry of Higher Education Iraq funded PhD (2) studentships; £118,220 (1st Supervisor). 

  • 10/2004-06/2008: Darwin Trust of Edinburg Doctoral Fellowship; Darwin Trust/ University of Birmingham,£66,900 - PI 

Internally funded research project information

 Small project Scheme to establish the molecular microbiology research lab (£5000) Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, 05/2013, PI).

Research Investment Capital Funding for Real-Time PCR (£12,600, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, 10/2013, PI).

DMU fees only PhD      studentship; Molecular Characterisation and development of molecular      diagnostic markers for CTX-M antibiotic resistant E. coli. first      supervisor/PI (10/2014-10/2017)

DMU fees only PhD studentship; Analysis of virulence gene expression via quantitative Real-time PCR during biofilm formation in MRSA. Co-investigator/ second supervisor. (2014-2016).

 

Professional esteem indicators


06/2021: Invited reviewer for Medical Research Council (MRC) Career development fellowship grant; Understanding and preventing the evolution of antibiotic tolerance (MR/W01713X/1).

01/2021 - to date: Academic Consultant for Antibiotic Stewardship Steering committee, Willows health- NHS primary care provider in Leicester/Leicestershire.

12/2020: Invited reviewer for MRC Career development fellowship grant; A lateral flow device for detecting beta-Lactamases in Urine (MR/V030906/1).

05/2020 - to date: Editor; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IF 3.39), H- index; 113, Special Issue-Microbial Biofilms and implications for Healthcare and Environment.

06/2018 - to date: Reviewer; Journal of Microbiology-Antimicrobial Drug resistance theme, (IF 3.235), H- index; 63, Microbiology Society, UK.

12/2015: Invited reviewer for BBSRC Major Research grant; Evolutionary events leading to the emergence of dominant Multi-Drug-Resistant lineages of E. coli. (BB/N01538X/1).

Case studies

In my postdoctoral work (Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, under the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kayoko Tanaka) I have contributed to the following research project.

Scientists make stunning inner space observations
Web site >

Posted by pt 91 at May 01, 2012 10:19 AM | Permalink

High-powered microscopes reveal workings of the cell – results could impact treatment of Down’s Syndrome, lissencephaly (a brain formation disorder) or cancer.

Invited talks

26/12/2020: Speaker and Chairing a panel discussion; Application of Biomedical Technology and Microbial Genetics, International Conference of Computing and Emerging Science (ICCES'2020-virtual) Erbil, Iraq.

10/09/2020: MRC-Global Maternal and Neonatal health sponsored Global Women's Research Society (GLOW) virtual conference; University of Liverpool, UK. Estimates of the high prevalence of neonatal sepsis in low-and middle-income countries.

27/02/2018: Industry sector presentation: Molecular Diagnostics of Multi-drug resistant pathogens, Medlink- East Midlands, Leicester.

22/09/2014: Analysis of unique and specific genetic markers for diagnosis of antibiotic-resistant, pathogenic E. coli encoding resistance to the third generation of antibiotic cefotaxime. Annual International European Congress in Translational Medicine, Vienna, Austria

Postgraduate Research (PhD and MRes.) Supervision Completions

  1. Majid AL-Bayati – (PhD 2021; 1st Supervisor)
  2. Sinan Baho – (PhD 2020; 1st Supervisor)
  3. Ruth Reid – (PhD 2019; 1st Supervisor)
  4. Pat Adkin (PhD 2020; 2nd Supervisor)
  5. William Robinson (PhD 2019; 2nd Supervisor)
  6. Jyoti Tejpal (PhD 2019; 2nd Supervisor)
  7. Joshua MacLeod (MRes. 2022, 1st Supervisor)
  8. Rupika Gulati (MRes. 2019, 1st Supervisor)

Research Impact

18/11/2019: Planned, organised, and Chaired; DMU Be part of the solution; World Antibiotic awareness day event; DMU has officially launched the Antibiotic Guardian Pledge, and staff, students, and public led to raising 76462 Pledges creating awareness about the effective and safe use of antibiotics.

31/03/2015: Planned, organised, and Chaired the British Science Association-funded event at DMU; 'Are new antibiotics the only way to solve this crisis?' A BBC Question Time-style debate between a panel of experts and public audience to raise awareness about the safe use of antibiotics.

REF Inclusions

Samarasinghe, S., Reid, R. & AL-Bayati, M. (2019). The anti-virulence effect of cranberry active compound proanthocyanins (PACs) on the expression of genes in the third-generation cephalosporin- resistant Escherichia coli CTX-M-15 associated with urinary tract infection. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 8, 181 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-019-0637-9, IF 4.51 H-index; 37 REF2021

Samarasinghe, S., Baho, S. and Czapnik, P. (2019). Preliminary Analysis of the Anti-biofilm Efficacy of Manuka Honey on Extended Spectrum Β-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli TEM-3 and Klebsiella pneumoniae SHV-18, Associated with Urinary Tract Infections. International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, 3 (3), pp 62-77 http://www.ijmshr.com/uploads2019/IJMSHR_134.pdf IF 5.05 REF2021

Baho, S., Hoosen, H., Samarasinghe, S., Walsh, S.E., Lobo-Bedmar, M.C., del Aguila, C., Fenoy, S., Izquierdo, F., Magnet, A. and Pena-Fernandez, A., (2016). Presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in faecal samples collected in urban parks in Leicester, UK. Toxicology Letters; 258S: S183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.1676 IF 3.85 H-index; 145 REF2021

Elrobh, M.S., Webster, C.L., Samarasinghe, S., Durose, D. and Busby, S.J., Two DNA sites for MelR in the same orientation are sufficient for optimal MelR-dependent repression at the Escherichia coli melR promoter (2013). FEMS microbiology letters, 338(1), pp.62-67. IF: 1.99 H-index; 151 REF2014 - 3*

 Funaya, C., Samarasinghe, S., Pruggnaller, S., Ohta, M., Connolly, Y., Müller, J., Murakami, H., Grallert, A., Yamamoto, M., Smith, D. and Antony, C., (2012). The transient structure associated with the spindle pole body directs meiotic microtubule reorganisation in S. pombe. Current Biology, 22(7), pp.562-574. (joint first author) IF: 9.19, H-index; 316 REF2014 - 4*

Samarasinghe, S., El-Robh, M.S., Grainger, D.C., Zhang, W., Soultanas, P. and Busby, S.J., (2008). Autoregulation of the Escherichia coli melR promoter: repression involves four molecules of MelR. Nucleic acids research, 36(8), pp.2667-2676. DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn119 IF: 11.14, H-index; 537 REF2014 - 4*

 

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