Benjamin Zwirzitz

PhD candidate, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
  • Austria

About Benjamin Zwirzitz

As a PhD candidate at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, my research addresses the diversity and functional profile of the farm animal microbiome and aims to understand the role of intestinal microbes in relation to physiological or pathological host responses. My focus lies on mucosal bacteria and translocation processes, which both regulate the host's immune homeostasis and are critical players for keeping a delicate balance in the gut. I am broadly interested in understanding the diversity of microbial assemblages under the influence of antibiotics and how potential shifts in community composition are shaping the spread of antimicrobial-resistance genes. While maintaining gut health is essential for animal welfare and high production yields, another major element of a sustainable animal-derived food production is the prevention of microbial spoilage of food. Considering a holistic one health approach, my second research focus is to study microbial connections between the built infrastructure in the food processing environment and the microbiome of the food product.

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