He went on to graduate in Veterinary Medicine in 1995 (Nagpur) and obtained further degrees in Animal Biotechnology (NDRI, Karnal) and Biotechnology/Infectious Diseases (PhD) (Manipal University).

His research interests encompass genomics, evolution and molecular pathogenesis of enteric pathogens with major emphasis on virulence and antimicrobial resistance.

[6] He also contributed important initial studies on the two co-evolved human pathogens, namely, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Helicobacter pylori, in the context of evolution of adaptation mechanisms, and acquisition and optimization of virulence during colonization/infection.

[9] Ahmed has also worked extensively on the nomenclature, taxonomic status, genome sequencing and functional characterization of Mycobacterium indicus pranii,[10] a non-pathogenic mycobacterial species with very high translational promise as an immunotherapeutic.

[11] Ahmed also served as a member of the PLoS International Advisory Group and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Gut Pathogens journal,[12] published by BioMed Central Ltd. (London).