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Investigating the bacteriophage- host interactions of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

Lead Research Organisation: University of Cambridge
Department Name: Biochemistry

Abstract

Study aimed at isolating and characterising bacteriophages capable of infecting a broad range of clinical P. aeruginosa samples, derived from canine otitis externa, with the aim of furthering phage therapy based treatment in that area. Further looking into how certain bacteriophage characteristics, such as host range, transduction ability, lysogeny, etc affect the subsequent phage- host interaction.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
BB/M011194/1 30/09/2015 31/03/2024
1944017 Studentship BB/M011194/1 30/09/2017 31/12/2021 Maria Stroyakovski
NE/W503204/1 31/03/2021 30/03/2022
1944017 Studentship NE/W503204/1 30/09/2017 31/12/2021 Maria Stroyakovski
 
Description What were the most significant achievements from the award?
12 clinical strains of P. aeruginosa from the Veterinary School have been characterised and sequenced (with 38 others currently in the pipeline). Over 100 bacteriophages capable of infecting and lysing these strains have been isolated, characterised, and 24 have also been sequenced. The bacteriophages have been tested for their ability to transfer genetic material via transduction, for their ability to integrate into the host genome (lysogeny), and for the speed at which they kill the target bacteria, aiming to identify those best suited for potential therapy.
Exploitation Route Once the bacteriophages most suited for therapeutic use have been identified, it is the intention to set up a clinical trial in collaboration with the Cambridge Veterinary School to test their efficacy in vivo.
Sectors Healthcare

 
Description Collaboration with the Cambridge Veterinary School 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Department Veterinary School
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Characterising pathology implicated clinical strains using genomics and phenotypic assays
Collaborator Contribution Provided the afore-mentioned clinical strains.
Impact 12 sequenced and characterised clinical strains of P. aeruginosa 112 bacteriophages isolated capable of lysing the clinical strains
Start Year 2016