Antimicrobials have revolutionised medicine, saving countless lives by treating infections that were once fatal. However, as bacteria develop resistance, many of these vital medicines are becoming less effective. This poses a significant challenge: how do we treat infections while preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials?
At the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Infection Theme is tackling this challenge head-on. To mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, we are highlighting some of our exciting work aimed at improving treatments for patients and combating antimicrobial resistance.
The challenge: Protecting gut health while fighting infections
Antibiotics are crucial for treating infections, but they can also disrupt the balance of healthy gut microbes. This disruption can leave people vulnerable to serious infections like Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), which causes severe diarrhoea, particularly in older, frail adults.
When we develop new antibiotics, it is essential to test how they affect gut microbes. We need treatments that target harmful bacteria while sparing the beneficial microbes that keep us healthy.
Gut models: A 20-year legacy of impactful research
For over two decades, the Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) group has been using advanced gut models to study how antibiotics interact with the gut microbiome. These models simulate the human gut, helping researchers identify the best treatments and doses to minimise harm to gut microbes. This work has had real-world impact, influencing treatment guidelines, supporting regulatory approvals, and shedding light on how resistance spreads within the gut.
Introducing MiGut: A game-changing new gut model
A collaboration between the HCAI and the Professors Nik Kapur, Pete Culmer and Dr Will Davis Birch in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds, has led to the development of a cutting-edge, miniaturised gut model called MiGut. This innovative tool offers greater efficiency and precision in testing antibiotics.
Dr Ines Moura, the senior researcher leading this work, highlights the benefits of MiGut:
Enhanced efficiency: MiGut allows researchers to test new antibiotics faster and with greater accuracy.
Smaller samples: The model uses minimal sample sizes, enabling multiple experiments from a single patient sample.
Realistic results: MiGut has successfully replicated patient microbiome recovery when using probiotics, demonstrating its ability to reflect real-world outcomes.
Broader applications: The model is ideal for pre- and post-clinical drug testing, supporting the development of more targeted and cost-effective treatments.
“This model is a great example of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome research limitations and advance patient treatment,” Dr Moura said.
Looking ahead
The introduction of MiGut is an exciting step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By improving our ability to test new antibiotics, this innovation supports the development of treatments that are not only effective but also protective of patients’ gut health.
Through innovative research like this, the NIHR Leeds BRC continues to lead the way in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.