IMBI-Diagnosis of prosthetic infections in orthopedics with innovative methods based on the use of bacteriophages

Bacterial infection of the online prosthesis (PJI) is one of the most serious complications of modern arthroplasty and requires removal of the prosthesis and long-term antibiotic treatment. Since we do not have a fast and reliable diagnostic method for the diagnosis PJI, the patient either does not receive antibiotic therapy or it is only non-specific. The aim of the project is to establish a close cooperation between the PP with the goal of developing a fast, reliable and specific diagnostic test based on bacteriophages for the detection and identification of bacteria that cause PJI. Fast and reliable diagnostics will enable faster specific treatment with antibiotics. An innovative bacteriophage-based diagnostic test was developed to detect infections of joint prostheses with Staphylococcus bacteria. A network of PPs was established, which exchange knowledge with each other and spread knowledge about bacteriophages to other stakeholders. An important achievement of the project is the formation of a consortium of experts of various competences and the unification of their expertise in various fields. The project connected top research centers, hospitals and biotechnology companies, at the local, European and global level. The project provided additional knowledge about phages, which will contribute to their future use in medicine. Research results can be used in various fields of medicine and in other medical institutions, especially in orthopedic clinics and trauma centers. Fast and effective diagnostics of bacteria with the help of bacteriophages will also be possible to detect other bacterial infections, not only PJI, which will reduce the use of antibiotics. The acquired knowledge about phages can be used for therapeutic purposes. The established bacteriophage library will continue to be built with the aim of becoming a reference point and Center of Excellence in this part of Europe for the research and use of bacteriophages in medicine.