Hands-On AMR Workshop: Detecting Resistance Genes Using BLAST & NCBI
Track Resistance at the Genetic Level—Hands-On AMR Detection with BLAST & NCBI
About This Course
This workshop provides a hands-on dry-lab experience in analyzing sequence data to detect AMR genes. Participants will learn how to retrieve sequences, perform BLAST searches, analyze alignment scores, and interpret resistance gene annotations. Real-world datasets will be used to demonstrate workflows for identifying resistance in bacterial genomes, supporting applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and research.
Aim
This workshop aims to provide hands-on training in detecting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes using BLAST and NCBI databases. It focuses on identifying resistance markers from genomic sequences and understanding their clinical and environmental relevance.
Workshop Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of AMR and resistance gene mechanisms.
- Learn sequence retrieval and database navigation in NCBI.
- Perform BLAST searches for resistance gene identification.
- Interpret alignment scores, E-values, and sequence similarity.
- Apply bioinformatics workflows for AMR detection and analysis.
Workshop Structure
Day 1 High-Confidence AMR Gene Detection with BLAST
- Use the right BLAST mode: BLASTn, BLASTp, or BLASTx.
- Use megablast for close matches; use sensitive search for diverse genes.
- Match search logic to sequence type: contigs, CDS, proteins, assemblies.
- Use curated AMR reference genes and limit the target database.
- Check FASTA quality before running BLAST.
- Tune identity, coverage, E-value, and hit ranking carefully.
- Separate true AMR hits from weak, partial, or low-confidence matches.
- Record strong hits in a candidate AMR screening table with key evidence
Day 2 Cross-Validation with Curated AMR Tools
- BLAST alone can overcall AMR genes.
- Similarity-only hits are not always true resistance calls.
- Curated AMR naming prevents misannotation.
- AMRFinderPlus gives standardized AMR detection.
- Compare results across BLAST, AMRFinderPlus, CARD-RGI, and ResFinder.
- Check agreement in gene, class, mechanism, and confidence.
- Resolve family-level versus exact-gene conflicts carefully.
- Build a consensus profile: high-confidence, review-needed, unsupported.
Day 3 Real-World Interpretation, Reporting, and Mini Project
- Interpret AMR calls in a biological context, not just as tool outputs.
- Link detected genes to likely resistance mechanisms carefully.
- Do not overclaim phenotype from genotype alone.
- Check completeness, alignment span, and annotation consistency.
- Remove weak hits, fragment matches, and likely false positives.
- Validate BLAST results with AMRFinderPlus, CARD, and ResFinder.
- Report only defensible AMR determinants with confidence notes.
- Deliver a final AMR report, comparison sheet, and decision workflow.
Important Dates
Registration Ends
04/24/2026
IST 7:00 PM
Workshop Dates
04/24/2026 – 04/26/2026
IST 8:00 PM
Workshop Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Perform BLAST-based identification of AMR genes.
- Navigate NCBI databases for sequence retrieval and annotation.
- Interpret sequence alignment results for resistance detection.
- Analyze microbial genomic data for AMR surveillance.
- Apply bioinformatics tools in infectious disease research.
Fee Structure
Student Fee
₹2499 | $65
Ph.D. Scholar / Researcher Fee
₹3499 | $75
Academician / Faculty Fee
₹4499 | $90
Industry Professional Fee
₹5499 | $105
What You’ll Gain
- Live & recorded sessions
- e-Certificate upon completion
- Post-workshop query support
- Hands-on learning experience
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