What progress have you made since your last update?
We have successfully designed a multi-serotype phage-based vaccine construct against Salmonella to provide broad protection across diverse serotypes. While in vivo validation is pending, the immunogenic epitopes have been computationally and experimentally validated for strong protective potential. This innovation could significantly impact typhoid control in endemic regions.
In a complementary effort, my MSc student has isolated 34 bacteriophages active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, following targeted isolation from local clinical strains. This growing phage library is vital to developing personalized therapy options for drug-resistant infections in our setting. Together, these initiatives demonstrate our capacity to deliver locally relevant, globally significant solutions in infectious disease control.
What are your next steps?
1. In Vivo Validation of Vaccine
Our immediate goal is to conduct in vivo studies on the multi-serotype Salmonella phage-based vaccine to assess its efficacy and protective capabilities. This is a crucial step toward validating the vaccine’s potential for widespread use in combating Salmonella infections.2. Expanding the Phage Bank
We will continue expanding our phage bank by isolating additional phages targeting Salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas. Building a well-resourced, diverse phage library is critical for developing effective, locally relevant phage therapy solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance.3. Development of Phage-Based Bandages
My MSc student works on an innovative phage-based bandage designed for diabetic wound care. This project aims to use phage therapy to treat resistant bacterial infections in diabetic wounds, offering a promising new therapeutic option for patients with chronic wounds.
Is there anything others could help you with?
1. Funding for In Vivo Studies
We seek financial support to carry out in vivo testing of our multi-serotype Salmonella phage vaccine. These studies are essential for demonstrating efficacy and advancing toward translational and clinical applications.
2. Resources for Phage Bank Expansion
We welcome collaboration and support in expanding our phage bank, especially in isolating and characterizing new phages targeting Salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas. A strong phage repository is foundational for developing tailored, effective phage therapies in our region.
3. Access to Sequencing Infrastructure
A robust, locally accessible sequencing platform would significantly reduce phage genome characterisation costs and turnaround time. Partnerships enabling affordable high-throughput sequencing through shared infrastructure or sponsored access would dramatically enhance our capacity for rapid, data-driven phage research.