Vibrational spectroscopy analysis of paediatric bacterial infections
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Application of vibrational spectroscopy analysis of community and nocosomial outbreaks of bacterial infections in a tertiary children's hospital to identify different species, assess outbreak epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance.
IRAS ID
255669
Contact name
Enitan Carrol
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve how doctors identify, and choose antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections in children. This will be tested by comparing the waveform 'fingerprints' of bacteria and examining their differences. We will collect the bacteria from stored laboratory samples. This study will use new laboratory techniques, Fourier transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy that are widely used in chemistry, to identify the causative bacteria and assess appropriate antibiotic treatment in bacterial infections in children. Spectroscopy separates out the components like light going through a prism, it is the same technology that we use to perform some forensic analyses. Therefore we will examine specimens of bacteria from children who were admitted to hospital. Using the wave pattern for each bacteria, like a fingerprint, we will check if we can identify different bacterial species accurately and if we can predict any resistance to antibiotics. These techniques, if successful will give faster results which are affordable. We will also examine if there is evidence of spread within the hospital between patients through looking at how related the bacteria are.
The study will be conducted at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a site with extensive experience in carrying out research studies. The study will last up to two years.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0306
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion