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.
Analysis Of A Chemosensory Complex That Controls Twitching Motility And Virulence In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,250.00
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium which causes serious life-threatening infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis, AIDS or who have suffered severe burns or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Infection by this pathogen requires the controlled expression of a large number of virulence factors including extracellular enzyme, toxins and structures for the attachment and colonisation of host tissues. We have identified a complex multicomponent regulatory system which coordinates the ....Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium which causes serious life-threatening infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis, AIDS or who have suffered severe burns or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Infection by this pathogen requires the controlled expression of a large number of virulence factors including extracellular enzyme, toxins and structures for the attachment and colonisation of host tissues. We have identified a complex multicomponent regulatory system which coordinates the expression of many of the virulence determinants of this pathogen. This project aims to dissect the intermolecular interactions and signalling events which input into, occur within, and output from this regulatory system. This knowledge will provide a platform for developing rational strategies for the production of new antimicrobials for fighting infections by this and related pathogens.Read moreRead less