Astrid von Mentzer

Astrid von Mentzer is an Associate Senior Lecturer at the University of Gothenburg, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Her research focuses on pathogenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), combining genomic approaches with machine learning to understand bacterial adaptation, spread, and disease mechanisms.

• Specializes in microbial genomics and antibiotic resistance research
• Investigates host-pathogen interactions through adhesin proteins
• Develops data-driven models for predicting pathogen transmission
• Studies hybrid E. coli strains with enhanced virulence potential

Her recent work examines ETEC clones in aquatic environments (2025) and their molecular epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa. She has created genomic resources like the ETECFinder database and contributed to understanding CS23-expressing isolates. Her lab (vonmentzerlab.com) applies computational methods to map transmission dynamics between humans, animals, and environmental reservoirs.

Key methodologies include whole-genome sequencing, machine learning classification, and host specificity analysis. Research outcomes inform public health strategies for diagnostics and vaccine development against resistant strains.