Detailed studies of MRSA ST398 host-pathogen interaction are proposed by the PILGRIM consortium. This will not only provide scientific evidence of factors influential on colonisation and host range, but lead to the identification of targets for intervening with S. aureus colonisation and infection. PILGRIM will determine for the first time interactions between surface proteins on host-adapted lineages of S. aureus and host cells, by providing a model system in combination with targeted knockout strains of S. aureus. Once identified, these surface structures may become targets for therapeutic intervention such as vaccines or inhibitors of colonisation, offering opportunities for businesses developing such products.
Benefits
PILGRIM will also provide new instruments for rapid identification of MRSA lineages using PCR technology. This outcome in combination with patented dip-stick test technology may lead to rapid, cheap, bed-side testing. This will impact on the cost of MRSA screening. More test may be conducted in shorter time contributing to early detection and accelerated control of nosocomial MRSA infections.
Activities
Electronic Newsletter: a six-monthly electronic newsletter to to further and continuously provide the latest information on nosocomial infections related to new strains of MRSA as well as on the project development and new findings, will be provided.
Brochures/Factsheets: Two brochures and factsheets, one devoted to human health and one to animal health, shall inform the different stakeholders on newly gained knowledge related to ST398 and on combating infection.
Scientific publications and presentations: The consortium wishes to discuss its scientific approach and major scientific findings with other top scientists involved in research on nosocomial infectious diseases. Further will individual PILGRIM partner disseminate their specific scientific results of the PILGRIM project trough publications in peer-viewed journals.
Providing new knowledge and guidelines for practitioners: For this purpose press conferences, press releases and presentations at meetings of interst groups’ organisations and to policy makers are held.
Training projects: In order to disseminate the scientific results of the PILGRIM project individual partners will integrate these in other actions they are involved in.
Establishing Technology Testing Plattform for combating nosocomial infection: One of PILGRIM`s key activities to exploit the project results and to promote the development of such technologies is to establish an environment in which companies can test and validate their technologies and solutions for MRSA decolonisation and decontamination under conditions which model healthcare environments are lacking.