Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: analysis of the in vitro and in vivo anti-biofilm capacity of cecropin-based coatings on endotracheal tubes.

Nosocomial infections are a major hurdle on intensive care units all over the world. Approximately 10% of the patients who stay two or more days in this unit, suffer from such infections, from which ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common. One of the most threatening bacteria that can cause this biofilm-related infection on the endotracheal tubes is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The diagnosis is difficult and empirical antibiotic treatment is currently the only initial option during the first acute stage of the disease. This project aims to develop an anti-infective medical device that can be used in a preventive context.

Keywords:ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES, BIOFILMS, ANIMAL MODELS

Disciplines:Bacteriology