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Project

Next generation diagnostics and susceptibility testing in biofilm-related prosthetic joint infections based on a better understanding of biofilm biology – an innovative translational approach

Foodborne illnesses remain a significant global public health problem with large economic consequences, despite the strict regulations regarding food safety. Salmonella represents the most common cause of bacterial foodborne outbreaks. We hypothesize that the publicly available exopolymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm matrix made by this pathogen play an important role in gut colonization and invasion. EPS are therefore considered as interesting novel and evolutionarily robust antimicrobial targets. Our hypothesis is based on preliminary research in our lab that pointed at reduced colonization of the ileum, liver and spleen by EPS deletion mutants in a murine model. The project therefore aims to investigate the role of Salmonella EPS in (i) gut colonization, (ii) modulating the host immune response, and (iii) tolerance against the immune response, (iv) competition by the gut microbiome, or (v) antibiotics. Infection and evolution experiments in a murine and porcine model will validate in vitro results on the evolutionary robustness against resistance development of this new antimicrobial strategy. If successful, this project will provide in vivo proof of concept for evolution-proof drugs targeting public traits, potentially leading to a major breakthrough in the search for novel antimicrobial strategies with less risk of resistance development.

Date:1 Jan 2023 →  Today
Keywords:Salmonella infection, Exopolymeric substances (EPS), Novel evolution-proof antimicrobial drugs
Disciplines:Bacteriology, Infectious diseases