by In an effort to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA) have been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Led by Jason Papin, PhD, the team aims to develop computer models to better understand and combat the resistance of two dangerous bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are both known for their ability to quickly develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public health. These multi-drug resistant bacteria infect thousands of Americans annually and contribute to the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance worldwide. By utilizing sophisticated computer models, the researchers hope to gain insights into the cellular processes and gene activity that enable these bacteria to overcome antibiotics.
Once the researchers have gathered and analyzed data from their computer models, they plan to take their findings to the laboratory. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities in the bacteria and advance the development of new and more effective treatments. By identifying common characteristics and weaknesses among germs that are adept at developing antibiotic resistance, the team hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of this issue.
The research team at UVA acknowledges the gravity of the antibiotic resistance crisis and the need for innovative approaches to tackle the problem. Dr. Papin, from UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, emphasized the importance of using systems approaches, such as computer modeling and sophisticated experiments, to address the complexity of bacterial evolution and resistance. Through their comprehensive study, the team hopes to identify new vulnerabilities in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pave the way for the development of novel therapies to combat infections.
Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat, recognized as an urgent problem by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, antibiotic-resistant germs were responsible for at least 1.27 million deaths worldwide and contributed to nearly 5 million deaths. In the United States alone, over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are among the leading causes of these infections, making them important targets for research and intervention.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium found in approximately 30% of individuals’ nasal passages. While it is typically harmless, it can cause serious infections in certain populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. In hospitals and nursing homes, Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant threat, leading to an estimated 200,000 drug-resistant infections each year in the United States.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another problematic bacterium that exists in soil and water. In healthcare settings, it can cause pneumonia and other severe infections. According to the CDC, Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused over 32,000 infections and 2,700 deaths among hospitalized patients in 2017. Similar to Staphylococcus aureus, this bacterium is particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations.
By funding Dr. Papin’s research, the NIH aims to support efforts in combatting these bacteria and the broader issue of antibiotic resistance. The grant will enable UVA researchers to delve deeper into the study of these two resistant bacteria and create a platform for future research on other pathogens. Ultimately, the goal is to develop new strategies and therapies to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance and protect public health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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