Project

Optimization of diagnostic processes in medical microbiology

Code
bof/baf/3y/2024/01/002
Duration
01 January 2024 → 31 December 2025
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Clinical microbiology
    • Bacteriology
Keywords
Next-generation sequencing Molecular diagnostics Antimicrobial resistance
 
Project description

Medical microbiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The emergence of new pathogens, the increase in antibiotic resistance, and the need for faster diagnostics make scientific research into optimizing these processes essential.

Traditional microbiologic work involves cultures. More recently, molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing have also been adopted. Their use leads to new challenges: data management and interpretation of positive results. We focus on this within the domain of foreign body infections. In this group of infections, due to biofilm issues, NGS is indispensable for making a correct diagnosis.

Research into diagnostic methods that can quickly identify AMR, allowing treatment without unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, contributes to better care for each patient. Research into the application of new technologies is already ongoing.