Project
Antimicrobial resistance and biofilms
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Many bacterial infections are nowadays often difficult to treat due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Infections are particularly problematic if they are associated with biofilms, since the biofilm provides extra protection against antimicrobial compounds. Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria, which are attached to surfaces. Infections typically caused by biofilms are wound-infections and urinary tract infections. The surface-attached biofilms are held together by a slimy matrix of polysaccharides, lipids, DNA and proteins. The matrix protects the bacterial cells and adds to the resistance, making the infection treatment highly problematic. Novel strategies to treat such infections are therefore critical.
AMR pathogens
In our project we focus on four high priority AMR pathogens:
- Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus biofilms are causing chronic wound infections and are also associated with medical implant infections.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae. S. pneumoniae biofilms are present in the nasopharynx and have also been found furing pneumococcal middle-ear infections and pneumoniae.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa biofilms are associated with chronic infections in wounds or in the airways (cystic fibrosis)
- Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC biofilms are the major cause of urinary tract infections and catheher infections.
Aim of the project
The aim of the project DISRUPT is to identify new strategies to treat biofilm-associated infections caused by staphylococci, pneumococci, E. coli and Pseudomonas. Targeting and inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation will reduce the chances of infections, and possibly resensitize the bacteria to existing antibiotics. The aim is to deliver new anti-biofilm strategies and mechanisms to tackle biofilm-associated infections. Furthermore, the project will generate genetic tools, which will be available for researchers worldwide, working to fight these AMR pathogens.
Approaches and techniques
We will be using state-of-the-art genetic technologies (transposon sequncing, CRISPR interference) combined with high-throughput screens (screen for chemicals and microfluidic antibody screens) to identify anti-biofilm agents and mechanims.
