PathWest has an on-going commitment to developing, evaluating and implementing the very latest diagnostic testing procedures and as a result, the Department of Microbiology has an active research and development program. This program adapts to the needs of the department, and of the broader medical and scientific community, but is generally of an applied nature. Many projects are undertaken in collaboration with students and staff from various local and/or international universities or research organisations, and are often funded from extramural sources.
Current areas of interest include:
Influenza virus
Arboviruses
Hepatitis C
Cytomegalovirus
Human papilloma virus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci
Multi-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Clostridium difficile
Alternative antimicrobial agents
Emerging infections