Difference between revisions of "Phage therapy"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
: This project was established to better understand and characterize bacteriophages from antibiotic-resistant, sexually-transmitted, ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae'' | : ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae'' has progressively developed resistance to the antibiotic drugs used to treat it. Since the late 1970's, Gonorrhea has shown signs of developing resistance to 3rd-generation, cephalosporin antibiotics which are ultimately the last line of defense against this bacterial pathogen <ref>Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhea. http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/arg/default.htm</ref>. Antibiotic resistant Gonorrhea is therefore a growing public health concern. In the United States, this concern is greater since primary treatments for gonorrheal infections are antibiotic-based. Currently, CDC STD treatment guidelines recommend dual therapy with the injectable cephalosporin ceftriaxone and either azithromycin or doxycycline to treat all uncomplicated gonococcal infections among adults and adolescents in the United States. Dual therapy is recommended to address the potential emergence of gonococcal cephalosporin resistance. Given the ability of ''N. gonorrhoeae'' to develop antibiotic resistance, it is critical to continuously monitor gonococcal antibiotic resistance and encourage research and development of new treatment regimens for gonorrhea <ref> Basic Information about Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhea. http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/arg/basic.htm</ref>. | ||
: This project was established to (1) Provide surveillance insight into the emergence of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea, (2) better understand and characterize bacteriophages from antibiotic-resistant, sexually-transmitted, ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae,'' and (3) develop phage-based prophylaxis and therapy to stop prevent further emergence of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. | |||
: This project is in its early stages. We are working to accomplish the following tasks: | : This project is in its early stages. We are working to accomplish the following tasks: | ||
# Update this wiki with background research and a literature review so all participating citizen scientists can begin in the laboratory with the same rudimentary knowledge about the project; | |||
# Update this wiki with background research so all participating citizen scientists can begin in the laboratory with the same rudimentary knowledge; | # Develop a space that has the equipment (acquired or built) we need in which we can conduct our research. | ||
# | |||
# Acquire culture materials, and clinical specimen from which bacteriophages can be harvested | # Acquire culture materials, and clinical specimen from which bacteriophages can be harvested | ||