Novel multi-excitation Raman (ME-Raman) technologies for clinical identification of respiratory biofilms in ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)

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In intensive care facilities ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common lung disease, it significantly increase length of stay, patient morbidity and mortality. The rise in antimicrobial resistance means that current treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics is increasingly ineffective and a more targeted monitoring and treatment method is require. Current culture based methods for the detection of the bacteria and their associated biofilms are to slow to be highly effective. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be able to identify and differentiate between different bacterial pathogens and biofilms. This project will further develop the Raman spectroscopy and machine learning approach that will allow a rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria and biofilms in VAP cases. A novel fibre based portable Raman device will also be developed for directly collecting data from endotracheal tubes, which will allow a rapid in situ analysis for the characterisation of the infection alongwith an analytical toolbox/GUI for such a potential device. This combined technology has the potential to be vital importance in the identification and treatment of VAP cases especially with antimicrobial resistant pathogens, increasing positive patient outcomes. This is an interdisciplinary project combining leading research in bacteria and biofilms and state-of-the-art Raman spectroscopy and machine learning tools.