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Soo Sum Lean is a Research Fellow at Murdoch University, affiliated with the School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences and the Centre for Biosecurity and One Health within the Harry Butler Institute in Perth, Australia. Her academic interests lie in molecular microbiology, particularly the study of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genomic epidemiology of bacterial pathogens in livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. Lean's research contributes to biosecurity and public health by investigating resistance mechanisms and transmission pathways in food production systems.
Key publications include the 2025 paper 'Antimicrobial resistance and genomic characteristics of Campylobacter spp. From Australian meat chickens with A follow up investigation' published in Scientific Reports, co-authored with Nikki Owiredu, Marc Stegger, Hui San Allison, and others. This study characterized resistance profiles and genomic elements such as plasmids and mobile genetic elements in Campylobacter isolates from chicken caeca and retail meat, confirming low but persistent AMR prevalence. In 2024, she contributed to 'Investigating pet dogs as a potential source of antimicrobial resistance genes to humans,' exploring zoonotic risks from companion animals. Another 2024 publication addressed 'Human-origin Tuberculosis in Southeast Asian bears,' examining pathogen origins and transmission in wildlife. Additionally, her 2023 work 'Antimicrobial resistance and public health significance of Escherichia coli isolated from Australian commercial chicken meat' highlighted surveillance needs in poultry. Lean's collaborations with researchers like David J. Hampson, Sam Abraham, and Rebecca Abraham underscore her role in multidisciplinary teams advancing One Health initiatives. Her Google Scholar profile lists interests in molecular microbiology, reflecting her expertise in genomic analysis for pathogen surveillance.
