Monday 26 August, 1:00pm
Biochemistry Seminar Room BIG13
Dr Samuel Wardell
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Antimicrobial resistance – Evolving towards disaster
Current predictions suggest that without immediate and sustained intervention, 2050 will be a tipping point for humanity in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are in urgent need for novel therapies and novel antimicrobial compounds. However, microbes have a vast array of tactics to evolve and evade antimicrobial treatment leading to an arms race of sorts.
This seminar will focus on three themes; The methods by which we understand the evolution of bacterial AMR through the use of microbial genomics, in vitro evolution, and longitudinal studies of chronic infections. Current approaches and developments of novel therapies, including the creation of models to study polymicrobial interactions during antimicrobial treatment and use of antimicrobial peptide analogues to evade resistance. Finally, looking towards the future of AMR, the outlook, and what the future might hold.
By understanding how bacteria evolve, evade, and respond to antimicrobial treatments we can develop precise therapeutics and treatment options in the hopes of overcoming resistance development, resulting in more equitable outcomes for individuals with AMR infections.
