Studying how bacteria stick to medical devices

Structure, function and inhibition of proteins involved in biofilm formation on cardiac devices

Devices that are inserted into the body either temporarily or permanently during medical procedures can become infected by bacteria. The infections are very difficult to treat with antibiotics and can affect cardiovascular devices such as replacement heart valves or pacemaker leads or cause bloodstream infections that can lead to infection of the heart (infective endocarditis). The ability of bacteria to cause these infections is related to their ability to stick together on the device surface. In this project, the researchers are studying the molecules on the bacterial surface that allow them to stick together so we can understand how to prevent these infections.