Exploring novel therapeutic options for Multidrug resistant UTIs

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Effect of Novel Antimicrobial peptides on multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria from patients with UTI.

• IRAS ID

  354237

• Contact name

  Paul Livingstone

• Contact email

  PGLivingstone@cardiffmet.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cardiff Metropolitan University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  
  At Cardiff Metropolitan University, we have identified a novel antimicrobial agent (Stig370a) using computational methods. Our preliminary unpublished work has shown that this antimicrobial agent is very effective against gram negative bacteria, including susceptible and resistant bacteria. When combined with a traditional antibiotic like Ceftazidime, Stig370a enhances its activity synergistically, particularly against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. In addition to our novel Stig370a, two other known antimicrobial peptides, Melittin and Pexiganan, also showed similar synergistic activity with Ceftazidime. This novel approach gives the opportunity to reuse Ceftazidime, which generally cannot be used in these situations, thereby reducing the use of carbapenems.
  For the proposed project, we will be working with the Royal Glamorgan Hospital of Cwm Taf, Morgannwg University Health Board, Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales. MDR gram negative bacteria from patients with UTIs will be collected from the Microbiology laboratory and tested for susceptibility to Ceftazidime + Stig370a / Melittin / Pexiganan combinations. Screening a large number of MDR gram negative bacteria is essential to take the project to the next phase of preclinical studies. This study will enable a novel therapeutic option by repurposing a traditional antibiotic (Ceftazidime) with three antimicrobial peptides.
  

• REC name

  N/A

• REC reference

  N/A