PESHAWAR: The University of Peshawar has awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology to research scholar Bashir Ahmad from the Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology following the successful public defense of his doctoral thesis.

His research, titled "Epidemiological Assessment, Molecular Characterization and In Silico Analysis of Colistin Resistance Genes in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sadiq Azam, while Dr. Shoaib ur Rehman served as the external examiner.

The study examined clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Using epidemiological, molecular, and computational (in silico) approaches, the research identified colistin resistance genes and genetic mutations associated with antibiotic resistance.

According to the researchers, the findings are expected to support more effective patient treatment, assist healthcare professionals in selecting appropriate antibiotics, strengthen hospital infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs, help save lives, and reduce the economic burden caused by antimicrobial resistance.

The thesis defense was attended by distinguished doctors, professors, clinicians, researchers, faculty members, and students, who praised the study as a significant academic contribution to public health and the fight against antimicrobial resistance.