Maria João Silva

About me

I am a PhD student in the Division of Infection Medicine at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University. I hold a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Coimbra in Portugal and an MSc in Biotechnology from Lund University. I have experience in environmental microbiology and antibiotic resistance. I am part of the ODIN consortium, which aims to enhance environmental surveillance to improve public health, with a strong emphasis on Sub-Saharan African countries.

About my research

My research focuses on antibiotic resistance spread by bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). I aim to investigate whether this happens during clinically relevant antibiotic usage or affects the treatment opportunities for these infections. I also want to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this spread. Furthermore, I want to elucidate whether other sources of stress, such as inflammation, can mediate similar activation of bacteriophages and whether our own microbiota can affect or be affected by this induction.

Recognising that antimicrobial resistance is significantly influenced by sectors such as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, along with factors like inadequate sanitation, poor wastewater management, insufficient healthcare systems, limited healthcare access, and even reduced availability of nutritious food, exacerbates the issue; my thesis, its potential impact, and its context can be integrated into the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).