Microbiome-based biomarkers and interventions
Research is being conducted into the composition and function of the microbiome and its role in the development and prevention of infectious diseases and their progression. The aim is to improve the bacterial flora to specifically benefit the patient.
The majority of the 100 trillion bacteria either living in and/or on humans reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Most of these bacteria (microbiota) are useful for humans. They support digestion and have a positive impact on metabolism and on the immune system. They inhabit ecological niches in the gut preventing infectious disease pathogens from intruding. However, the gastrointestinal tract is also a target for some significant human pathogens that are being investigated in the research field "Community-Acquired Infections at Mucosal Interfaces". The precise composition of the microbiome plays a role in whether certain digestive infections, such as salmonellosis, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae (MRGN) or Clostridioides difficile infections, are prevented or promoted. DZIF researchers are using models to study the interactions between humans, the microbiome and pathogens. The long-term goal is to use targeted therapies to influence microbial communities in the gastrointestinal system, vaginal tract and other mucosal areas for the benefit of patients.
Diagnostic biomarkers
Current work is focused on clinical trials investigating the influence of the microbiome on Clostridioides difficile, Salmonella infections and colonisation with MRGN. Infections caused by these bacteria are facilitated when antibiotic treatment affects the natural gut flora. These pathogens can then multiply in the gut and produce increased amounts of toxins, which can lead to diarrhoea, life-threatening destruction of the intestinal wall or systemic infections. The researchers want to understand which bacteria in the microbiome protect against these infections and develop strategies to protect them, either by selecting for them or by replacing them during antibiotic treatment.