Emmanuel Nnabuike Ugbo

Dr
Emmanuel Nnabuike
Ugbo

Lecturer
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Biography
Dr. Ugbo Emmanuel N. (PhD) Dr. Ugbo Emmanuel N. is a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Microbiology at Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. His research expertise lies in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), molecular characterization of bacterial pathogens, and host–pathogen interactions within a One Health framework. He has a particular interest in Escherichia coli and other zoonotic bacteria from food-producing animals, exploring their resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, and implications for food safety and public health. Dr. Ugbo’s work also extends to the development of innovative interventions, including vaccines and alternative antimicrobial strategies, to address the growing global challenge of multidrug-resistant bacteria. He actively collaborates across disciplines, combining microbiology, genomics, and epidemiology to generate actionable data that informs both policy and practice. Through IVVN, Dr. Ugbo seeks to engage with international researchers and institutions on vaccine research and development, with the aim of translating laboratory findings into practical solutions for improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Research interests
My research interest focuses on understanding the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogenic bacteria and exploring vaccine development as a sustainable strategy to combat resistant infections. With the alarming rise of multidrug-resistant organisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp., conventional antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective, posing a critical threat to public health and food security. I am particularly interested in characterizing resistance determinants, plasmid-mediated gene transfer, and virulence factors that enable bacterial survival under antimicrobial pressure. At the same time, I aim to investigate vaccine-based interventions that can reduce dependence on antibiotics, especially in both human and veterinary medicine. This includes studying subunit, conjugate, and mRNA vaccine platforms targeting resistant bacterial strains. By integrating molecular microbiology, genomics, and immunology, my long-term goal is to contribute to innovative approaches that mitigate AMR, support One Health initiatives, and improve global disease prevention strategies.
Projects you're working on
Genomic Insights into Escherichia coli O157:H7 Associated with Foodborne Diseases
Discipline
Bacteriology Epidemiology Molecular biology Parasitology
Host species
Cats Cattle Dogs Fish Horses Pigs Poultry Wildlife Zoonoses
Pathogen
Bacteria›Aeromonas Bacteria›Clostridia Bacteria›Corynebacterium Bacteria›E. coli Bacteria›Salmonella Bacteria›Yersinia