New IMB research targets cystic fybrosis

Queensland bioresearchers have discovered a promising method for treating a common bacterial infection afflicting cystic fibrosis patients.

Team members from the Institute of Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland and the Technical University of Denmark have published their results in the US journal Science.

The researchers discovered the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be prevented by disrupting the formation of biofilms which are an important element in the development of chronic and persistent infections.

Infection by this bacteria results in inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs of CF patients, according to IMB co-director, and co-author of the paper, Prof John Mattick. A genetic disease affecting one in every 2500 Australian babies, CF is characterised by the build-up of thick sticky mucous in the lungs and pancreas leading to breathing difficulties and nutritional problems.

During lung infections, P. aeruginosa creates a biofilm that plays a vital role in establishing bacterial colonies resistant to antibiotics and the host's immune response, according to Mattick.

The biofilm of this pathogen has a high DNA content and the IMB researchers found that that treating the biofilm with an enzyme called DNaseI, which breaks down DNA into its component molecules, destroys the biofilm and restricts the establishment of infectious colonies.

"DNaseI is already being used as a therapy by CF patients to help clear the lungs of fluid and using DNaseI as a prophylactic may be another string in the bow in the management of this disease." Mattick said. IMB researcher Dr Cynthia Whitchurch was a co-author of the Science paper.