Research with the Microbiology Consortium

The research programme seeks to prevent the exclusion caused by the current infection control policy of segregation by improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections within the CF lung. To achieve this, research will focus on three major areas that are of important clinical relevance to people with CF.

1. Early & rapid diagnosis of pulmonary infections

Early and accurate diagnosis of respiratory infections is essential for appropriate antimicrobial therapy prior to chronic infection and for the rapid implementation of infection control measures. To reduce the delay of several days, and in some cases weeks, associated with culture-based diagnostic methods, we will seek to develop and evaluate groundbreaking methods for the rapid diagnosis of infections within hours directly from sputum samples. These will include fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and real-time PCR.

2. A genomic approach to microbial virulence

Identification of microbial virulence determinants is fundamental to the development of vaccines and other therapeutic strategies. Bacterial genomics, including data emerging from the genome sequencing of the major CF pathogens, and other powerful molecular tools will enable us to identify genes or gene clusters responsible for virulence and transmission of the major CF pathogens.

3. Novel antimicrobial agents

Resistance to existing antimicrobial agents within the major CF pathogens is an increasing problem. However, rationalisation by the pharmaceutical industry has reduced the prospects of any novel antimicrobial agents being developed in the immediate future. Thus, innovative and collaborative research is urgently required to develop effective agents against multiresistant CF pathogens. The consortium will investigate several strategies. Multidisciplinary approaches will be used to characterize the antimicrobial activity of biocides and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, combinations of existing antimicrobial agents will be assessed for enhanced killing of Bcc organisms.

Five component research programmes will be carried out under the umbrella of the UK CF Microbiology Consortium, each programme undertaking work that relates to one or more of the research areas identified above.

Component research programmes:

Programme 1: Genetic factors contributing to the success of CF 'superbugs' in the United Kingdom.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Craig Winstanley, University of Liverpool

Programme 2: Comparison of B. cenocepacia with B. multivorans and P. aeruginosa in diminishing host defence responses in the cystic fibrosis respiratory tract.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Andrew McDowell & Professor J. Stuart Elborn, Queen's University, Belfast

Programme 3: Antimicrobial resistance and novel antimicrobial targets of CF pathogens: Mechanisms of biocide resistance and action.

Principal Investigator: Dr Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, University of Cardiff

Programme 4: Novel antimicrobial agents

Principal Investigators: Dr. Dominic Campopiano & Professor John Govan, University of Edinburgh

Programme 5: Breakthrough projects and issues of direct clinical relevance

Principal Investigators: Professor John Govan, Dr Alan Brown & Dr Jean-Michel Sallenave, University of Edinburgh