GSI Seminar Series - Sariqa Wagley

Sariqa is a microbiologist and NERC Independent Research Fellow researching how bacteria enter a ‘hibernation-like’ or dormant state to ensure their survival in their environment. Sariqa studies Vibrio species found in the marine environment that are bioindicators of climate change and is an ideal model for investigating bacterial dormancy. 

In this talk, Sariqa will show that warming sea-surface temperature has led to an increase in the prevalence of Vibriospecies in marine environments particularly in temperate regions such as England, Baltic Sea and Northeast USA where conditions for their growth has become more favourable. The increased prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio species because of climate change has resulted in a worldwide surge of Vibriosis infections in both human and aquatic animals.

A crucial element to the establishment of persistent reservoirs of Vibrio species in the environment is their ability to survive in a state of dormancy.  Vibrio bacteria are not detected in the winter, and it is assumed that the bacteria die due to the cold temperatures. Sariqa will show that a small proportion of the bacterial cells can enter the dormant state to survive the winter conditions. When summer returns, nutrient levels and sea temperatures increase, and dormant Vibriocells ‘reawaken’ and grow into active bacterial populations. Sariqa’s research will look at what cues Vibrio bacteria use in the environment to ‘wake up’ from this dormant state that could be used to predict and prevent future disease. 

Dr Sariqa Wagley is a NERC Independent Research Fellow based in the Biosciences department on Streatham campus. Sariqa’ research uses microbial disease and marine ecology to understand how bacteria switch from a dormant state into an actively growing state in Vibrio species. Her research will be important to mitigating the global increase of Vibriosis as a consequence of global warming.  

Email infoGSI@exeter.ac.uk to confirm your place.