Method for Screening Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains
- Technology Benefits
- Simplereagents and methodsEasy todistinguish between strains with high and low pathogenic potential
- Detailed Technology Description
- New testing method to help physicians identify dangerous strains of P. aeruginosa that cause hospital-acquired infections#diagnostics #detection #marker #therapeutics #infectiousdisease
- *Abstract
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Northwestern University researchers have developed a screening method that will help physicians determine whether patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa have a severe or easily treatable infection. P. aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections and is particularly dangerous due to its ability to survive in various environments and colonize medical devices such as ventilators and catheters. The Hauser group discovered that these infections are difficult to treat due to the presence of genomic variability between strains found in hospitals. Therefore, by testing for presence of particular "genomic islands" clinicians can determine if a patient will require more or less supportive care to recover. In addition to identifying high-risk patients, this novel approach will also help physicians administer antibiotic therapies in a more targeted manner at the point of care. Overall, this invention has potential to improve patient care as well as increase our understanding of this pathogenic bacterium.
- *Inventors
- Allan R. Hauser*Scott E. Battle
- *Publications
- Battle SE, Rello J, HauserAR (2009) Genomic Islands of Pseudomonasaerurignosa, FEMS MicrobiologyLetters, 290: 70-78.
- Country/Region
- USA
