Research
The role Achromobacter spp play in the chronic lung infection microbiome
The respiratory tract of people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is understood to be a polymicobial niche. Bacteria are well-known as causes of pulmonary exacerbations in people with CF and the main bacteria implicated in this is the well known pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We recently discovered several isolates presumed to be Pseudomonas recovered from sputum samples taken during antimicrobial clinical trials were actually from the Achromobacter genus. Achromobacter species, particularly Achromobacter xylosoxidans, are intrinsically resistant to a broad spectrum of antimicrobials and in particular resistance to most anti-pseudomonal drugs is high. This could be potentially problematic for those people with chronic lung infections as continued treatment of Pseudomonas could lead to Achromobacter spp taking over and harbouring a niche in the lung environment.
My interest lies in trying to understand the fluctuating dynamics between Pseudomonas and Achromobacter species in lung infection models commonly used within the lab. As well as gaining a deeper understanding of the prevalence of Ahcromobacter in people with chronic lung infections and how this may impact treatment outcome and efficacy during periods of disease exacerbation.