Sub-Project 2

Carbapenem-resistant organisms have been listed as the critical pathogens that cause severe infections and high mortality in hospital patients. The availability of rapid and accurate laboratory test results are pivotal for fast treatment decision especially for patients in critical conditions. However, most of the hospitals in Malaysia and developing countries are using conventional culture methods followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing which take days to perform. To address this issue, we sought to develop a rapid and easy-to-use point of care aptasensor detection system for carbapenem-resistant organisms. Based on the binding affinity of the surface molecule of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aerugionosa, the whole bacterial cells will be bound and separated from the clinical specimens. To aid the data interpretation and as part of the automated pipeline, the results will be visualized on a biosensor. Overall, this study will enable a better informed decision for antibiotics selection and improve the current management strategy for carbapenemase producers. 

Researchers: Assoc Prof Dr Cindy Teh Shuan Ju (1), Assoc Prof Dr Chong Chun Wie (2), Prof Dr Nor'azim Bin Mohd Yunos (3), Dr Wong Wei Ru (4), Dr Kumutha Malar Vellasamy (1), Dr Ngoi Soo Tein (3)

Student(s): Woon Jia Jie(1)

Affiliations:

1. Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

2. School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia 

3. Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

4. Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia