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Dr Lihong Zhang

Senior Research Fellow

  • +44 (0) 1326 259 469
  • L.Zhang@exeter.ac.uk

Dr Lihong Zhang is a microbiologist focusing on pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in polluted environments, particularly the correlation between these and human health.

One of Dr Zhang’s major research foci is considering antibiotic resistant gene flow via mobile genetic elements, specifically among indigenous animals, humans and micro-organisms.

Another of his research objectives is to quantify the prevalence and diversity of pathogens in polluted systems. This area uses molecular and cellular techniques and looks at bacterial and viral pathogens in human polluted aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Dr Zhang works with Dr William Gaze in collaboration with scientists within the UK, Thailand, Canada and the EU.

Current research areas include:

  • Identifying novel antibiotic resistance genes from environmental metogenomic libraries;
  • Characterising novel antibiotic resistance genes in term of activity, structure and origin;
  • Class 1 integron prevalence in relation to antibiotic resistance genes from the environment;
  • Co-selection by disinfectants for antibiotic resistance genotypes;
  • Prevalence and diversity of bacterial pathogens in coastal waters.
Dr Lihong Zhang
Full publication list Institution link

Key Colleagues

  • Prof William Gaze

    Prof William Gaze

  • Dr Michiel Vos

    Dr Michiel Vos

  • Dr Aimee Murray

    Dr Aimee Murray

  • Dr Anne Leonard

    Dr Anne Leonard

  • Dr Isobel Stanton

    Dr Isobel Stanton

Related research

Research project

Antimicrobial resistance in rivers

Analysing the contribution of wastewater treatment discharge to antibiotic resistance.

Research project

AMR environmental risk assessment

Designing a new method to quantify the environmental risks posed by antibiotics.

Research project

Herbicides and antibiotic resistance

Investigating selection for antimicrobial resistance by plant protection products.

Contact details

European Centre for Environment and Human Health

University of Exeter Medical School

Peter Lanyon Building 12

Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 8RD

  • T: +44 (0) 1326 371859
  • E: ECEHHAdmin@exeter.ac.uk

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