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Towards Better Detection And Treatment Of Mycobacterial Disease., Laura O'Connell

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background

Mycobacterial disease is a major cause of fatality, with 1.5 million deaths per 10 million infections annually. Due to the emergence of multi- and extensively-drug resistant clinical isolates, mycobacteriophage (MP) are being investigated as an alternative to antibiotics.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were: to characterise an emerging cohort of MP, to determine suitable in vivo modes of delivery for MP including encapsulation, to examine the application of a MP-based viability assay, and to examine the functionality of MP in raw milk.

Methods

The fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis was used as a host in all assays to demonstrate phage …

Mycobacteriophage: A Demonstration Of The Reduction Of M. Smegmatis In Various Matrices., Laura O'Connell

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background

Mycobacterial disease is a major cause of fatality worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million deaths for every 10 million infections. These infections are difficult to treat due to the intrinsic resistance of its mycolic acid rich cell wall to many antibiotics. There is potential for mycobacteriophage (MP) to be used therapeutically for multidrug- and extensively-drug resistant infections. Mycobacterium smegmatis mc² 155 is a useful substitute for slow-growing pathogenic mycobacteria, as it propagates quickly under lab conditions. This feature of M. smegmatis increases the pace of analysis, by ensuring the quick isolation and characterisation of MP and acting as a …