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Research aims to detect post-surgical infection

A groundbreaking research project is currently taking place at Nottingham hospitals to develop a highly specific technique for diagnosing bacterial infections following surgery. This project is still in its very early stages but will eventually focus on common procedures such as hip replacements and vascular grafts.

The basis of this study is Positron Emission Tomography, which is a powerful imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to detect abnormalities within the body. Whilst this technique is often used for cancer diagnosis through a tracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), it is currently limited to locating high metabolic activity, such as tumours, active muscles, the brain and general inflammation which can make it difficult to distinguish between infection and non-infectious inflammation.

This research, part-funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, seeks to address that gap by developing a new radioactive compound that specifically targets bacteria and offers a clearer, more accurate image result.

“If successful, the scan would only light up when bacteria is present – not when it’s just sterile inflammation,” Helen Betts, Principal Radiochemist and lead researcher explained. “That could have huge implications for post-surgical care.”

The research project is currently in its preclinical stage. Experiments are being conducted in a controlled environment – specifically within radiation-shielded biological safety cabinets. This where your donations have helped. 

Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to help researchers fund a specialist Biological Safety Cabinet which allows them to conduct their research without additional risk to researchers  or contaminating the samples used. 

So far, results have been promising, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of surgical site infections. The research team aims to further expand the testing to other bacteria which may affect a patient post-surgery.

The road to clinical use is a long one, but thanks to your help, researchers are one step closer. 

“Getting funding is tough for smaller labs. The support we've received has been vital. It’s often easier for large labs with established networks to attract national grants. So local support makes a real difference,” Helen said.

While it may be a few years before the tracer reaches patients, the project marks an exciting step towards more targeted and efficient diagnostics for bacterial infection, which will hopefully help patients for years to come. 

 

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