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To better recognize infectious diseases and save lives
Every year, infectious diseases are the cause of millions of deaths worldwide, with a large proportion of these infections being caused by so-called biofilm infections, which until now remain difficult to diagnose, reports the German Heart Center Berlin. With a new method, the diagnostic options - and thus the treatment options - could be significantly improved here in the future.
Infectious diseases are among the top 10 causes of death in Europe and many of these diseases are caused by so-called biofilm infections. The diagnosis is so far extremely difficult in such cases. In the collaborative project iSOLID, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), "the fast and reliable detection of such infections using digital image diagnostics" is now to be researched. Recommendations for suitable therapies are also the aim of the collaborative project.
Bacteria can collect in so-called biofilms at various points in the body and subsequently lead to serious infectious diseases. The diagnosis of these biofilm infections is so far extremely difficult. (Image: royaltystockphoto / fotolia.com) Biofilm infections particularly difficult to recognize
In the joint project iSOLID (Integrated Solutions for Infection Detection), the biofilm center of the German Heart Institute Berlin, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, HB Technologies AG and CHILI GmbH are working together on new solutions for the diagnosis of biofilm infections. Using digital image diagnostics, the infections should be diagnosed faster and safer. The biofilm infections are responsible for a significant proportion of severe infectious diseases, but so far there are no suitable diagnostic methods for their detection and targeted therapy, reports the German Heart Center Berlin.
FISH method for detection of bacteria
As a diagnostic method, the researchers use the so-called "fluorescence in situ hybridization" (FISH), which is based on fluorescently labeled DNA probes and according to the experts combines the advantages of molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy and histology. Thus, the specific diagnosis of infectious diseases, which go back to biofilms, are made possible. "Thanks to the FISH study, biofilms are routinely microscopically visible and detectable for the first time. Annette Moter from the German Heart Center Berlin. With the method, the bacteria involved in the infection can be detected and identified, so that a specific therapy can be initiated in a timely manner, the expert continues. A quick and specific detection of pathogens is essential for the correct choice of antibiotic therapy.
Development of new prevention and treatment methods
Although the FISH method is already known, this is based on very large amounts of image data, the analysis of which is complicated and complex. In the current joint project, therefore, a digital method of image analysis for the automatic detection and quantification of microorganisms is to be developed. The aim of the project is also the "workflow integration and sample handling solution for the quantitative analysis of biofilms for the development of new prevention and treatment methods". With the help of an intuitive image communication and archive system (PACS) all relevant image files should be stored and processed quickly and safely, reports the German Heart Center Berlin.
First, it is now planned to test the desired methods within the framework of the iSOLID collaborative project on clinical tissue samples and also to evaluate the corresponding workflow as part of a diagnostic study. Subsequently, structural possibilities are to be created in order to "routinely use the FISH procedure nationally and internationally and thereby close a gap in the diagnosis of infectious diseases," the scientists report. (Fp)