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Development of a fluorescence-based rapid diagnostic tool for the detection of urease-producing causing ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a respiratory infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality. If not properly treated, pneumonia can lead to prolonged hospitalization, acute complication and, long-term consequences. Bac-terial pneumonia represents a particular concern due to antibiotic resistance. Thus, it is fundamental to distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia to reduce antibiotic misuse. Currently, there are three main approaches available for the etiologic assessment of pneumonia: 1) traditional microbiological culture methods, 2) molecular diagnostics, and 3) serological tests. The common disadvantage of these tech-niques is that they are time-consuming and often require days to finally give a response.
In collaboration with the Kantonsspital St.Gallen, we designed a proof-of-concept pilot study, called DOORSTEP. This work aims to develop a fluorescent-based detection approach selective for urease-producing bacteria among whom are some of the leading causes of nosocomial pneumonia such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such a detection approach will facilitate the rapid diagnosis of nosocomial bacterial pneumonia, in particular ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
In collaboration with the Kantonsspital St.Gallen, we designed a proof-of-concept pilot study, called DOORSTEP. This work aims to develop a fluorescent-based detection approach selective for urease-producing bacteria among whom are some of the leading causes of nosocomial pneumonia such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such a detection approach will facilitate the rapid diagnosis of nosocomial bacterial pneumonia, in particular ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Once the efficiency of this approach in detecting urease-producing bacteria has been shown, similar detection mechanisms can be combined in a single platform to differentiate between the bacteria enabling the prompt administration of the appropriate therapy. Such a screening would ultimately improve the management of nosocomial infections with a remarkable economic benefit for healthcare systems and limit the development of antibiotic resistance.
In collaboration with the Kantonsspital St.Gallen, we designed a proof-of-concept pilot study, called DOORSTEP. This work aims to develop a fluorescent-based detection approach selective for urease-producing bacteria among whom are some of the leading causes of nosocomial pneumonia such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such a detection approach will facilitate the rapid diagnosis of nosocomial bacterial pneumonia, in particular ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Once the efficiency of this approach in detecting urease-producing bacteria has been shown, similar detection mechanisms can be combined in a single platform to differentiate between the bacteria enabling the prompt administration of the appropriate therapy. Such a screening would ultimately improve the management of nosocomial infections with a remarkable economic benefit for healthcare systems and limit the development of antibiotic resistance.
During the internship, the student will be guided through all steps required for the development of sens-ing platforms: design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation. The student will learn fundamental as-pects of chemistry and fabrication of nanomaterials besides being introduced to the main characterization approaches. Nanoparticles will be characterized by X-ray based analytical techniques (i.e. energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrosco-py (XPS)), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and confocal microscope. Once synthesized and characterized, specifically designed experiments will be employed to define the selectivity and sensitivity of the nanomaterial in detecting urease-producing bacteria. Hence the student will achieve confidence with analytical techniques such as fluorescent spectroscopy. The selected student can expect significant support and guidance from estab-lished scientists during the whole duration of the project. The workplace will be the Empa St. Gallen.
During the internship, the student will be guided through all steps required for the development of sens-ing platforms: design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation. The student will learn fundamental as-pects of chemistry and fabrication of nanomaterials besides being introduced to the main characterization approaches. Nanoparticles will be characterized by X-ray based analytical techniques (i.e. energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrosco-py (XPS)), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and confocal microscope. Once synthesized and characterized, specifically designed experiments will be employed to define the selectivity and sensitivity of the nanomaterial in detecting urease-producing bacteria. Hence the student will achieve confidence with analytical techniques such as fluorescent spectroscopy. The selected student can expect significant support and guidance from estab-lished scientists during the whole duration of the project. The workplace will be the Empa St. Gallen.
Dr. Giorgia Giovannini
Scientist, Laboratory of Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles
Tel +41 58 765 78 03
giorgia.giovannini@empa.ch
Dr. Giorgia Giovannini Scientist, Laboratory of Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles Tel +41 58 765 78 03 giorgia.giovannini@empa.ch