Medical Molecular Microbiologist Prof. Dr. John Rossen Leads Groundbreaking Research on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Diagnosis

Medical molecular microbiologist Prof. Dr. John Rossen, PhD with a device that can determine the genetic profile of a bacterium (sequencing). The research aims to develop a smaller device that also automates the preceding and subsequent steps.

Risk of infection

There is always a risk of infection during hospital treatment or surgery, such as blood poisoning or infections during orthopedic procedures. Patients who experience this are usually treated with antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, but these are not always effective. The research focuses on patients who carry antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the greatest global threats to public health. It is estimated that in 2019, AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.

Initiator

Why are some patients resistant to antibiotics? How can you improve the diagnosis and treatment of an infection? These are questions that concern John Rossen. Together with a colleague from the University Medical Center Groningen, the microbiologist is the initiator of the international research. The so-called DRAIGON consortium has received €6.34 million EU subsidy for this. Organizations from the Netherlands, Albania, the UK, Switzerland and the US are participating. In addition to Isala, the UMCG and Health-Ecore Groningen from the Netherlands are also participating in the research.

Innovative device

Rossen: ‘The aim of this research is to develop an innovative device that can diagnose infections more quickly. A bacterial culture test now takes about 3 to 5 days. We think that this will soon be possible in 1 to 2 days with new techniques, including AI. With a faster and accurate diagnosis, you can treat a patient earlier and better and we can better prevent the spread of AMR. The research also examines whether the new method is cost-saving. We also investigate whether it actually provides added value for the patient and whether he or she experiences better treatment.’

Share knowledge

The consortium wants to share the knowledge acquired with other, especially poorer countries. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). That increases the risk of complications or death. Rossen: ‘Infection prevention is well organized in the Netherlands and we are careful when administering antibiotics. But poorer countries in particular pose a risk in this regard. Antibiotics are available on every street corner, so to speak. That is why we want to share our knowledge and techniques that we research to really improve care. Especially in areas where infections pose an even greater threat to public health.

Long breath

The research that John Rossen is working on together with the LMMI department will last 4 years. John: ‘Ultimately you want a prototype of the device and of course you’re not there yet. We also want to have someone obtain a PhD on this subject in the coming years. The research takes a long time, but it is of course fantastic to be able to get started with this!’

Partners

The partners of the DRAIGON consortium are: Isala, UMCG, CAMTECH, Health-Ecore, The Johns Hopkins University, European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Orthopädisches Spital Speising, Sandoz and Spitali Universitar Shefqet Ndroqi.

2024-01-09 09:58:57
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