Breakthrough in treatment of cystic fibrosis

Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) researchers based at The University of Queensland have led a team to a significant discovery with implications for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

The researchers discovered that infection by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be prevented by disrupting the formation of biofilms - an important element in the development of chronic and persistent infections.

IMB Co-Director Professor John Mattick said that infection by this bacteria resulted in inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs of CF patients.

"During lung infection P. aeroginosa creates a biofilm, a soup rich in proteins, complex sugars and DNA. This biofilm plays a vital role in establishing bacterial colonies that are also resistant to antibiotics and the host's immune response.

"Scientist have known for a while that the biofilm of this pathogen has a high DNA content. Our research showed that treating the biofilm with an enzyme called DNasel, which breaks down DNA into its component molecules, destroys the biofilm and restricts the establishment of infectious colonies," Prof. Mattick said.

Research continues in association with scientists from The Technical University of Denmark.

Item provided courtesy of The University of Queensland