Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a profound threat to public health in the Pacific, with
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) placing a severe burden on tertiary
healthcare facilities like Fiji’s Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. The University of the South Pacific (USP) Center for Sustainable Futures has successfully isolated four novel phages from the secondary clarifier of the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant. Preliminary screening via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and basic Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has confirmed their morphological integrity and their high
efficacy in completely eliminating clinical MRSA strains isolated from CWM Hospital. However,
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and rigorous bioinformatic annotation are mandatory to progress further in understanding the implications of current findings. The collaboration is anchored by a dual-phase research exchange, embedding a USP researcher at IPNC at both the inception and conclusion of the project. The collaboration aims to achieve:
1. High-Throughput Sequencing: Execute deep whole-genome sequencing of the 4
isolated phages to determine genome size, structural organization, and taxonomic
classification.
2. Bioinformatic Safety Profiling: Annotate the phage genomes to explicitly screen for
the absence of temperate/lysogenic genes (e.g., integrases), enterotoxins, and known
antibiotic resistance cassettes.
3. Dual-Phase Capacity Building: Facilitate two targeted 1-week research exchanges for
a USP researcher at IPNC to bridge the gap between wet-lab sample preparation and
dry-lab bioinformatic assembly.
4. High-Impact Dissemination: Co-author a peer-reviewed manuscript for a top-tier
regional journal and present findings at an international scientific forum.
