Kerry LaPlante, University of Rhode Island
Kathryn Daffinee, University of Rhode Island

Project Location

Providence VA Medical Center

Project Description

Biofilms are a natural antimicrobial resistance barrier produced by bacteria and account for up to 80 percent of the total number of microbial infections. There is an immediate need to optimize therapy algorithms and treatment strategies in biofilm forming infections. The pharmacodynamic exposures of systemic antibiotic regimens against planktonic bacteria are well understood. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding optimal bactericidal kill against bacteria embedded in biofilm, and the role of combination therapy in biofilm penetration. Our central hypothesis is that by understanding antibiotic activity, penetration and bioavailability of antibiotics within biofilms, we can manipulate therapeutic exposure indexes of antibiotic combination therapy to overcome biofilm resistance mechanisms. Our current data has shown that concentrations needed to obtain eradication of biofilm on foreign materials are not obtained with systemic dosing regimens of frequently utilized antibiotics.

This project involves primarily lab or computer work

Will students require their own transportation to field sites and/or other off-campus locations?

Yes

Additional Information

• Dr. LaPlante’s Research Page