Team:Newcastle University/Bug Busters

= Bug Busters =

We are developing a diagnostic tool that enables the detection of a range of Gram-positive bacterial pathogens endemic in patients around the world. Currently, detection of these pathogens ranges from a few hours to several days. The system will use genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis, to detect a range of Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. Our principal targets at this stage are Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. We are also considering the detection of a range of Bacillus species, and Clostridium difficile. This new system will enable visual detection of these pathogens within minutes. The bacteria will be detected by the specific quorum-sensing peptides that they secrete extracellularly. Detection of the quorum-sensing peptides will activate the expression of fluorescent proteins, viewable under U.V. light, in our engineered B. subtilis chassis. This application would have importance not only in hospital settings, but also in the third world.