Author: John Dennehy

The Lab has submitted a pair of preprints. In the first, we describe our protocol for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 in NYC wastewater. In the second, we used this protocol to sequence SARS-CoV-2 isolated from NYC wastewater. In our targeted sequencing assay, we find a high frequency of mutations associated with circulating Variants of Concern.

Protocol for Safe, Affordable, and Reproducible Isolation and Quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from Wastewater

Detection of Mutations Associated with Variants of Concern Via High Throughput Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Isolated from NYC Wastewater

Irene submitted a pre-print describing her analysis of rotavirus A evolution over the past 60 years. Interestingly segments have unique evolutionary histories and RVA genetic diversity declined following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.

Rotavirus A Genome Segments Show Distinct Segregation and Codon Usage Patterns

The Dennehy Lab receives funding from NIH for proposal “Novel Strategies for Treating Biofilm-Forming Pathogens with Phage Therapy”

This project is a collaboration with Dr. Fabrizio Spagnolo. The aim of the proposed work is to assess the viability of a multi-pronged phage therapy approach to eliminate biofilm-associated bacteria. Specifically, we propose to induce prophages already contained within biofilm-associated bacteria to disrupt biofilms. Simultaneously, lytic phages will be applied to kill bacteria dispersing from the biofilm at the point of exit. This dual strategy may allow the eradication of intransigent infections resistant to traditional antibacterial therapy.