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Examples of sepsis research
Investigating the first encounter between human cells and sepsis-causing bacteria
Advanced studies of cell surface integrin receptors allow researchers to study the very first moments of interactions between a cell and invading bacteria. Imaging analysis and advanced microscopy that allow filming, provides new knowledge in the field of cell activation, a crucial step in fighting an infection.
The increasing antimicrobial resistance calls for novel approaches aimed at eradicating bacteria during infections
Photo: Pontus Nordenfelt - Cell
Meningitis is a life-threatening infection. It is difficult to diagnose and early onset of treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications such as, paralysis, deafness or even death. Neutrophils are white blood cells that have the ability to cast out their nuclear content (so called NETs).
The function of NETs is unclear but they seem to limit infections. However, researchers in SEBRA have found that NETs have a harmful effect on the brain during meningitis. Use of a novel therapeutic candidate dissolved the NETs and improved outcome even without antibiotics.The current focus is to investigate the usefulness of NETs as a biomarker in meningitis and to further determine the therapeutic potential of NET-dissolving agents as a non-antibiotic treatment in human disease.
Powerful technologies generate molecular profiles of sepsis patients aimed at improving treatment strategies
Rapid categorization of the time from onset and dynamics of the response of the host inflammatory stage, the virulence of the infectious agent, and the interaction between the two, would facilitate profiling and make individualized treatment possible. This is an example of personalized medicine.
By using powerful techniques like mass spectrometry, novel insights into biomarkers, characteristics of pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics can be gained. Research like this will help clinicians understand which patients are at risk of developing organ failure, and who will benefit from novel and targeted treatments as is the case in cancer treatment today.
