Lichtgedanken 03

S C HW E R P U N K T 25 03 | LICHT GEDANKEN concentrated in this way, researchers can carry out the actual analysis. »For this, we use Raman spectroscopy—an analytical method based on optical light scattering. It enables precise identificati- on of individual bacterial strains,« says Prof. Ute Neugebauer, who is closely involved in developing the new analy- sis system. »Bacteria are irradiated with light and the light scattering is analy- sed. Each bacterial strain then shows an individual, unique spectral pattern, with which the pathogen can be clearly identified.« For this, the scientists use multivariate statistical algorithms in or- der to match the measured patterns to known spectral patterns of bacteria in a database. To treat patients successfully, it is necessary to check not only the pa- thogen, but also for existing types of resistance. In developing the chip sys- tem, the researchers in Jena focused first on enterococcus bacteria. Some strains of these intestinal bacteria can cause urinary tract infections, but also sepsis and endocarditis. As early as 30 years ago, it was reported that some enterococci had become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin, and this has be- come a worldwide medical problem. For this reason, Popp, Neugebauer and their colleagues have developed a rapid test that specifically verifies whether or not this pathogen reacts to vancomycin. In this case too, the researchers use Ra- man spectroscopy to get their results. They bring samples of the bacteria into contact with the antibiotic and obser- ve changes in the spectral pattern. Af- ter just 90 minutes or so, it is possible to see whether or not the pathogens react to the drug and die. Even with the necessary preparation and post-proces- sing, the procedure takes at most three-and-a-half hours. This method of analysis can also be applied to other pa- thogens and antibiotics. Furthermore, it should be possible to test several anti- biotics simultaneously on the recently developed chip. Easy-to-use chip system for doctors to start a correct antibiotic treatment »Our aim now is to develop a closed ra- pid test system that doctors can use both in the hospital and in a doctor’s surge- ry,« explains Jürgen Popp. »For the sys- tem you need of course the chip as well as associated reading devices, which provide the result. We want to present a first prototype within two to three years; initial contacts have already been made with partners from industry.« In general, Popp is very committed to interdisciplinary cooperation, and he has found optimal conditions for this in Jena. The InfectoGnostics Research Campus alone enables fruitful coopera- tion with doctors, scientists from other disciplines and partners from industry. In addition, the proximity to Jena Uni- versity Hospital is crucial, because such a method of analysis cannot be created without knowledge of the daily routines at a hospital, medical work processes and safety standards. It is therefore im- portant that his colleague, Ute Neuge- bauer, for example, does research in the CSCC at Jena University Hospital. Popp also stresses, however, that techni- cal developments alone are not suf- ficient to combat antibiotic resistance, because what use are even the best methods if they are not applied for rea- sons of cost? »It is therefore important to bring the health insurance funds on board to address those aspects in the next few years.« The urgency expressed by the current figures on hospital-acqui- red infections should raise awareness of the problem. Photo left: Raman spectroscopy using the chip that not only allows pathogens to be clearly shown within a few hours. This innova- tion from Jena can also indicate whether the pathogens react to the antibiotics adminis- tered or whether they show resistance. This saves valuable time in treating patients. Photo right: Prof. Jürgen Popp and Prof. Ute Neugebauer head a team of scientists that developed the new system of analysis. F E AT U R E