Levofloxacin: reducing the risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance

Many people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) are chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). Pa causes an accelerated decline in lung function, reduced quality of life and chest infections. Therefore, suppressive long-term treatment with inhaled antibiotics that target Pa is the standard of care; however, the optimal treatment strategy is not clear (e.g. continuous, intermittent or cycling with other inhaled antibiotics). Furthermore, the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains is a significant concern, especially as PWCF are living longer. In addition, sub-optimal adherence to treatments has been reported in CF, which may also potentially contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

This proposal will provide novel data on reducing the risk of Pa developing antibiotic resistance. This will be achieved by determining if and how resistance develops following in vitro exposure to levofloxacin and if antibiotic cycling selects for or against resistant Pa sub-populations. This proposal will also investigate if reduced exposure to levofloxacin, as a proxy for poor adherence, drives levofloxacin resistance development. This will provide evidence on the importance of adherence to chronic treatments to reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/