E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine, but some varieties can cause serious infections that may lead to the premature death of children, especially in less developed countries. The aims of this study are to learn more about these harmful varieties of E. coli and to enhance our ability to detect them in samples from patients and the environment.
Role Of Macrophages In Uropathogenic E. Coli Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,890.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common types of infections in humans. They are also a major cause of septic shock, a condition with high fatality rates. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major microbes causing UTI in humans. This project addresses the role of an immune cell type, the macrophage, in UPEC-mediated disease. The outcomes of this project will be a better understanding of how UPEC causes disease, and potentially new treatment regimes for UTI.
Uncovering Novel Roles Of Escherichia Coli Flagella And LPS In Uropathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,677.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common infectious diseases in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause most UTI. UPEC produce factors that promote their survival and influence disease such as flagella. We have identified anti-inflammatory responses as a key element of UTI and have shown that these responses contribute to control of UTI. In this project, we will investigate how the UPEC flagella component, FliC, contributes to anti-inflammatory responses and what this means for UTI.
Combating E. Coli Diarrhoea By Disarming Bacterial Virulence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,737.00
Summary
E. coli causes severe and persistent diarrhoea which affects the health of millions of people worldwide. Although antibiotics may alleviate E. coli diarrhoea, these bacteria are becoming resistant to most drugs. In this study, we will use state-of-the-art technology to discover novel types of drug that treat and prevent infection with E. coli, without harming the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
A Matter Of Life And Death: Defining Novel Interactions Between Uropathogenic E. Coli And Macrophages That Influence UTI Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,060.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common types of infections in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major microbes causing UTI in humans. This project will define novel interactions between UPEC and macrophages, an important immune cell involved in the control of UTI. The outcomes of this project will be a better understanding of how UPEC causes disease, and potentially new treatment regimes for UTI.
Understanding Uropathogenic E. Coli-mediated Subversion Of Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$932,536.00
Summary
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the most common bacterial infections. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are the primary cause of UTI and increasingly associated with antibiotic resistance. UPEC use an array of strategies to overcome the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defence against infectious diseases. This project aims to understand how UPEC overcomes innate immunity, with the ultimate goal of devising new approaches for the treatment and prevention of UTI.
The Current Multidrug Resistant Escherichia Coli Pandemic: Exploring Novel Therapies Against The Predominant Culprit E. Coli ST131.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,223.00
Summary
Escherichia coli ST131 is a pandemic superbug. Like MRSA, E. coli ST131 infections are resistant to multiple antibiotics and can become life threatening. This study will show how adhesion can be the 'Achilles' heel' of this global pathogen and how blocking E. coli ST131 adhesion offers an alternative therapy for multidrug resistant human infections. As we are left with no effective antimicrobials to treat E. coli ST131 infections, this work will provide novel outcomes that are sorely needed.
Role Of Autotransporter Proteins In Uropathogenic E. Coli Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,149.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common infectious diseases of humans. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), the primary cause of UTI, utilize a range of adherence mechanisms to colonize the urinary tract. In this project we will characterise the function and mode of secretion for one important class of UPEC adherence factors – autotransporter proteins. This work may inform new approaches to prevent UTI, an urgent need given the rapid increase in resistance to antibiotics among UPEC.
Functional And Genomic Analysis Of The Globally Disseminated Multidrug Resistant Escherichia Coli ST131 Clone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,537.00
Summary
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sepsis. Recently, a highly virulent clone of UPEC (E. coli ST131) that is resistant to multiple types of antibiotics has emerged and spread worldwide. This project uses genomic and high-throughput functional analysis methods to understand E. coli ST131 virulence and resistance. The outcomes of the work will be a better understanding of how E. coli ST131 causes disease, and potentially new treatment regim ....Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sepsis. Recently, a highly virulent clone of UPEC (E. coli ST131) that is resistant to multiple types of antibiotics has emerged and spread worldwide. This project uses genomic and high-throughput functional analysis methods to understand E. coli ST131 virulence and resistance. The outcomes of the work will be a better understanding of how E. coli ST131 causes disease, and potentially new treatment regimes for UTI.Read moreRead less