Project description
Because of the twin global pandemics of obesity and antibiotic resistance, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections -a common complication of diabetes- are often untreatable, which leads to amputation; this imposes a burden of mortality (5 years: 75%) greater than most malignancies. We propose to develop bacteriophages ("phages" viruses that infect bacteria) as an adjunct to antibiotics. The most common infecting agent in DFUs is Staphylococcus aureus ("golden staph"), and our commercial partners have phages that kill this bacteria. A knowledge gap is whether bystander bacteria in the infected wound will expand and become pathogens on the removal of the staph. This project will develop an ex vivo model of staph skin infection, using pig skin, and examine the effects of phages on the wound microbiome. This work will assist in bringing phages closer to the clinic.
Co-supervisors
Professor Jim Mitchell
Industry involvement
We collaborate with several industry partners who have expertise in making phages and their delivery systems.
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You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.