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ANN ARBOR, MI – Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School have developed a novel barcoding system that allows them to track the movement of pneumonia-causing bacteria as they infect the bloodstream, providing crucial insights into the development of bacteremia and sepsis. The findings, published in Nature Communications, could pave the way for new strategies to combat these life-threatening conditions.
Bacteremia, or blood poisoning, occurs when bacteria overwhelm the body’s immune system, potentially leading to sepsis, a major cause of hospital deaths. Scientists, led by Michael Bachman, M.D., Ph.D., and Caitlyn Holmes, Ph.D., focused on Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common gram-negative bacterium responsible for pneumonia-initiated bacteremia.
The research team identified three phases of bacterial spread: initial infection (e.g., in the lungs), entry into the bloodstream, and replication and evasion of the liver and spleen’s filtration. Traditionally, the transition from the lungs to the bloodstream has been difficult to measure.
“Experimentally, we can measure the first phase pretty easily in terms of how the bacteria infect the lungs and we can measure the third phase pretty easily in terms of how the bacteria survive in these blood-filtering organs and whether they replicate or not. But that transition out of the lungs and into the bloodstream has traditionally been difficult to measure,” said Bachman.
To overcome this challenge, the researchers collaborated with colleagues at Harvard University to develop a unique barcoding system. They labeled K. pneumoniae bacteria with short DNA snippets and used computer analysis to track their movement in mouse models. This innovative approach allowed them to precisely map the bacteria’s journey throughout the body.
The barcoding system provides a significant advancement in understanding how bacteria spread and cause systemic infections. By tracking the bacteria’s movement, researchers can identify key points of vulnerability and develop targeted therapies to prevent bacteremia and sepsis.
The findings could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments that can help prevent the progression of bacterial infections to sepsis, ultimately saving lives.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research published in Nature Communications. While the barcoding system offers a promising tool for tracking bacterial infections, it is important to note that this research was conducted on mouse models. Further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to validate these findings in humans. The information provided in this article should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
