Mathematical Modelling of Biofilm Formation on Urinary Catheters

This project aims to achieve a better understanding of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) using a multidisciplinary approach centred on mathematical modelling. The longer term goal is to assist in the design of novel catheters coating that will lead to a reduction in the number of patients suffering from persistent CAUTIs and associated complications.

Urinary catheters are thin tubes inserted into the urinary tract to facilitate emptying of the bladder. CAUTIs presents a significant health problem worldwide and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. CAUTIs account for about one third of all hospital-acquired infections and more than 1 million CAUTIs occur annually in the United States and Europe. In the UK CAUTIs are estimated to cost the NHS approximately £99M each year. Moreover, the treatment of CAUTIs relies on the extensive use of antibiotics and therefore has significant potential to contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

CAUTIs are initiated by bacterial cells adhering to the surface of the catheter and forming a biofilm. A biofilm is a community of bacteria encased within a self-produced extra-cellular matrix. These shielded, multi-cellular communities are highly resistant to anti-biotic treatments and physical removal. It is these twin advantages of their growth form that ensure biofilms are the cause of most persistent infections.

A further complication is that about a half of patients undergoing long-term catheterization will experience catheter encrustation and blockage. This problem is mainly caused by urease-producing bacteria that form a crystalline biofilm. Continued accumulation can eventually cause complete blockage of the catheter leading to painful distension of the bladder, septicaemia and shock.

Reducing the occurrence and/or severity of CAUTIs therefore has significant health benefits for the patient and is globally important in terms of public spend on health care.

This project will focus on the development of mathematical models for (i) biofilm formation on the surface of catheters and (ii) resultant encrustation. These are multi-scale problems and the aim is to understand the system in sufficient detail to allow for hypotheses to be set and tested regarding the effects of changing catheter surface properties. Both continuous and individual-based modelling frameworks will be employed. At the large scale, these must be capable of capturing flow, deposition and cells and subsequent biofilm formation and the formation of crystalline material. At the micro-scale, individual-based models will be employed to allow for a deeper investigation of the interaction of the adhered cells with the anti-biotic (micro-structured) surface of the catheter. Mathematical modelling and analysis will be supported by extensive numerical simulations. The development and testing of hypotheses will be conducted principally using the mathematical models, but wherever possible will be augmented by experiments using artificial urinary tracts in our laboratory.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Professor Fordyce Davidson ([Email Address Removed])

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact [Email Address Removed]

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK in a relevant discipline.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s English language requirements are available online: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Professor Fordyce Davidson ([Email Address Removed]) to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Professor Davidson, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mathematics: Mathematics : Study : University of Dundee

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

In the Research Proposal section, please:

-       Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

-       Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.