Strategies against antibiotic resistant biofilms in orthopaedic device-related infection

Orthopaedic device-related infection (ODRI) leads to healthcare costs, suffering and mortality, specially in elderly.

ODRI contributes to the global threat of antibiotic resistance due to long-term antibiotic regimens and since bacteria produce a biofilm on the implant, thereby hiding from antibiotics and the immune system.

Repeated surgeries and implant removal are often needed in the attempt to heal the infection.The overall purpose of this 5-year multidisciplinary project is to increase the scientific knowledge of ODRI.

The aims are to investigate aspects of the pathogenesis and evaluate novel diagnostics and treatments to improve patient outcomes and reduce antibiotic resistance.The scientific approach consists of clinical, preclinical and basic research, implemented by researchers from Biomaterials (University of Gothenburg), Orthopaedics and Infectious Diseases (Sahlgrenska Hospital) and Bacterial Pathogenesis (Public University of Navarre).Different models and methodological approaches (morphological, cellular and molecular) will be employed to investigate: (1) the infection sources, (2) genetic mechanisms, (3) targeted diagnostics (implant sonication, DNA sequencing and biofilm susceptibility) for pathogen identification and rational antibiotic use, and (4) treatments delivered locally to infected tissues and implant.Collaboration between the participating researchers will enable translational research to transfer preclinical results into clinical practice.