The Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology have both laboratory- and animal models at our disposal. We use both kinds of models for careful examinations of infections that typically affects hospitalised patients. We work with in vitro flow models, which simulate infections related to the use of medical equipment, such as urinary tract catheters and intravenous catheters. By growing human cells and bacteria together, we investigate the host/pathogen interaction, trying to shed light on why some bacteria cause problematic infection and how they manage to survive ordinary antibiotic treatment.
Apart from cell culture infection models in microliter plates we grow cells in flow chambers and infect them with bacteria. We monitor the simulated infection course by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, and we study the colonisation capacity and gene expression in the material harvested from the chambers at certain times.
We have mice and pigs infection models at our disposal. This enables us to test if results from the artificial in vitro models can be verified in living organisms.
We have recently established facilities enabling us to cultivate viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) and we do plaque assays and virus neutralisation assays in connection with this work.
You can find more information about our current research projects in the list below.
Experimental microbiology
Project leader
Janne Kudsk Klitgaard
Partners
Canna Therapeutic ApS
Abstract
2018. Cannabidiol (CBD) enhances the effect of the antibiotic bacitracin (BAC) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We are investigating the mechanism of action of CBD as an antimicrobial agent and whether CBD, together with BAC, can be used to treat infections caused by MRSA using a mouse model for superficial skin infections. The project is supported by Canna Therapeutic ApS with 1,505,899 DKK
Project leader
Thomas Emil Andersen,
Collaboration partners on the project
Department of Molecular Medicine (SDU)
Department of Infectious Diseases Q (OUH)
Abstract
In the project we analyze the viral load and virus neutralization capacity in COVID-19 hospitalized patients as well as in citizens. To do so, we have established one of DK’s only SARS-CoV-2 experimental laboratories at the facilities of Winsløwparken, Odense, DK. Here, patient/citizen samples are cultured, and viral load and neutralization capacity estimated based on plaque assays and plaque reduction neutralisation tests. Throughout 2020-2023 we have analyzed more than 600 patient samples and assisted the assessment of whether contagious virus is present in these persons. In 2021-23, our focus has been assessments of the effect of the COVID-19 vaccines on neutralization capacity in vulnerable patient groups such as kidney- and cancer patients. Lastly, we have investigated the protection provided by the vaccines in healthy individuals against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
During 2020-2023 the project has been funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Region of Southern Denmark, and the Danish Ministry og Higher Education and Science.
https://novonordiskfonden.dk/da/nyheder/7-nye-projekter-faar-del-i-novo-nordisk-fondens-akutte-coronavirus-pulje/
Project leader, Odense University Hospital
Thomas Emil Andersen
Partners
Odense University Hospital, Dept. of Clinical Microbiology
Danish Fundamental Metrology/DTU
Lighnovo ApS (DK)
Standa (LT)
Abstract
In this project, funded by the European Union and The Innovation Fund Denmark, we collaborate with the Danish Fundamental Metrology Institute, the Danish company LightNovo and the Lithuanian company Standa to develop a miniaturized Raman spectrometer for identification of bacterial infections in wounds. Wound infection is a considerable risk factor especially after surgical procedures and in immune-compromized patients. Fast and reliable identification of pathogenic bacteria in wounds is therefore of utmost importance. This project aims to build a handheld Raman instrument that enables immediate detection of infections in wounds, using novel miniaturized Raman technology coupled with machine learning software.
The project is supported by the EU EUREKA - Eurostars Programme and runs from March 2023 to August 2025.
Project leader
Assoc. Prof., Ph.D. Thomas Emil Andersen
Abstract
S. aureus bloodstream infections are difficult to treat and often have fatal outcomes. In this project we investigate the mechanisms used by S. aureus to survive the immune system, form biofilms in the bloodstream, and spread systemically. To do this we use cell-culture based infection models in microtiter plates and flow chambers and analyze the interaction with coagulation and inflammation factors and bacteria-host gene expression.
Read more on the homepage of the Clinical Biofilm Group: https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/kliniskmikrobiologi/biofilminfektioner
Project leader, Odense University Hospital
Thomas Emil Andersen
Partners
GlyProvac ApS (DK)
Odense University Hospital, Dept. of Clinical Microbiology
Fraunhofer (DE)
Epitopic GmbH (DE)
Abstract
SVEET - Sugar-modified Vaccine Epitopes; Exploration and Translation
In this EU-funded project we collaborate with the SDU-spinoff GlyProVac (DK), Fraunhofer (DE) og Epitopic GmbH (DE) to develop and perform pre-clinical tests of a novel vaccine candidate against recurrent urinary tract infection. Preclinical evaluation is performed in our porcine UTI model.
The project is supported by the EU EUREKA - Eurostars Programme and runs until March 2024.
For more information:
https://southdenmark.be/eu-millioner-til-start-up-der-vil-udvikle-en-vaccine-mod-urinvejsinfektion/
https://dagensmedicin.dk/forskere-faar-millioner-til-udvikling-af-vaccine-mod-blaerebetaendelse
Leading researcher, Region of Southern Denmark
Thomas Emil Andersen
Partners
Region of Southern Denmark
University of Southern Denmark
Biomodics (DK)
Verigraft (SE)
University of Birmingham (GB)
BMD Software (PT)
Viesoji Istaiga Vilniaus Universiteto Ligonine Santaros Klinikos (LT)
Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität Munchen (DE)
Servicio Vasco de Salud Osakidetza (ES)
Region Stockholm (SE)
Abstract
TELEGRAFT is a multi-disciplinary project involving 10 international partners from, Germany, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Denmark. Launched in late 2022, the project aims to develop a novel tissue- and blood compatible vascular graft for dialysis. Our tasks in this project are to co-develop antibacterial and tissue-integration properties of the graft, and assist the development of an integrated Raman sensor. Read more about the project here.
The project is supported with 4.8M€ by the European Union and runs until Dec. 2027.
For more information:
https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/telegraft
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101057673Project leader
Thomas Emil Andersen and Ulrik Stenz Justesen
Abstract
This project aims to elucidate the pathogenesis associated with Clostridium difficile intestinal infection. This organism is a major problem at hospitals worldwide, due to its resistance towards many antibiotics. Patients treated with antibiotics often lose their normal intestinal flora, leaving ideal conditions for C. diff. As a consequence, patients may become chronically infected with C. diff., resulting in significant morbidity among these patients. Using the in vitro intestinal infection models developed by the Clinical Biofilm Group, the colonization mechanisms by C. diff. is investigated and novel treatment regimens are developed and tested.
The project is funded by the MICA foundation and the model development by the SDU Research and Innovation Foundation.
Project leader
Assoc. Prof., Ph.D. Thomas Emil Andersen
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are among the most frequent infections and a major problem especially at hospitals. In this project we investigate UTI and catheter-related UTI using various in vitro biofilm- and cell-culture infection assays, as well as animal models of UTI. We collaborate with the industry to develop new solutions to the problem, such as antibacterial catheters, antimicrobials, and vaccines.
Read more on specific projects on the homepage of the Clinical Biofilm Group: https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/kliniskmikrobiologi/biofilminfektioner
Project leader
Thomas Emil Andersen
Partners
Michael Kemp, Rune Micha Pedersen
Abstract
2019. In this project we use in vitro intestinal infection models to investigate the capacity of vancomycin-resistant enterococci to colonize intestinal epithelium. It is assumed that one of the reasons that this bacterium effectively spreads among hospital patients is a strong capacity to outcompete the natural intestinal microbiota and colonize the intestine. This hypothesis is tested in the project.
The project is supported by the OUH og the Region of Southern Denmark with DKK 300.000 og 280.000, respectively.