Restoring bacterial sensitivity to aminoglycosides antibiotics

Bacterial resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics is a major public health problem. The WHO (World Health organization) has highlighted the urgent need to find new treatments to fight multidrug resistance MDR bacteria, as actual drugs are less effective or inactive. This research project aims to develop new chemical compounds to restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics currently used in clinic. Preliminary results have shown that small designed molecules are able to restore the sensitivity of resistant bacteria to aminoglycosides. Moreover, the efficacy of these compounds to restore sensitivity to aminoglycosides of resistant clinical bacteria (such as pathogens involved in serious illnesses: Cystic Fibrosis, pyogenic liver abscess, bloodstream infections or urinary tract infections) will be investigated as well as the potential toxicity for human cells in order to prevent possible side effects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gerard Wright

Student:

Partner:

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

McMaster University

Program: