NU 2008-083 

Inventors

Allan R. Hauser* 

Scott E. Battle 

Short Description

New testing method to help physicians identify dangerous strains of P. aeruginosa that cause hospital-acquired infections

Abstract

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. 

Advantages

• Simple reagents and methods
• Easy to distinguish between strains with high and low pathogenic potential

Applications

• Analysis of patient samples in clinical settings
• Testing P. aeruginosa strains in laboratory conditions

Publications

Battle SE, Rello J, Hauser AR (2009) Genomic Islands of Pseudomonas aerurignosa. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 290: 70-78.

IP Status

US patent application has been filed.