Gut colonisation by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriales (MDR-E) is a significant risk factor for infections, yet no clinically approved therapies exist to reduce or eradicate intestinal colonisation. Because disruption of the gut microbiota typically precedes expansion of resident or colonisation of new MDR-E, microbiota reconstitution represents a promising intervention avenue for preventing infections.

This project aims to identify the genetic factors in pathogens and microbiota members that determine MDR-E gut colonisation to support the development of synbiotic interventions, such as the combination of pre-/probiotic modalities, for removing MDR-E from the gut. This objective will be achieved by combining the complementary expertise of research teams in microbiome and infection biology. The long-term goal is to stratify individuals colonised with MDR-E into rationally designed synbiotic interventions based on their microbiota composition.

Athanasios Typas (EMBL Heidelberg), Till Strowig (HZI), David Bikard (Institut Pasteur), André Mateus (MIMS)