Characteristic gram-negative bacteria and a clinically viable mechanism for selective drug targeting

Abstract

Infection is recognised as one of the most pressing challenge facing surgeons in plastic surgery, burns and physicians in all specialties. Our work is the first to describe the characteristic spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria to infect burn wounds (Azzopardi E et al. PLoS One, 2014). Given the rapid availability of a Gram- stain, our work significantly increases appropriate targeting of antimicrobial prescriptions. We also describe a method whereby passive targeting of molecules and “smart” activation at an infected site can be achieved (Azzopardi E. et al. Lancet, 2014). This method can be translated to the delivery of most bioactive molecules to soft tissue infection, reducing toxicity at undesired sites whilst increasing activity at the target area.