Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2024
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
Hospital Acquired Infections, HAIs, Antibiotics, Porphyrins, Photo-activation
Disciplines
Medical Microbiology | Medicinal-Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Johns, Meghan, "Modern Approaches to Treating Hospital Acquired Infections: An Overview of Current Treatments using Antibiotics and New Therapies Centered Around Photo-activated Porphyrins" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1359.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1359
Abstract
Annually, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. and impose a great economic burden. The current problem is further exacerbated due to the failure of traditional treatment strategies considering the rise in antimicrobial resistance rates. Besides the fact that antimicrobial resistances complicates clinical treatment strategies, patients are also more vulnerable to secondary infections and complications from prolonged antibiotic use. As a result, research investigating novel treatment strategies for bacterial infections has recently increased. A strategy using porphyrin-based compounds is showing promise. Porphyrins and their derivatives have exhibited bactericidal effects against Gram-positive bacteria by the destruction of cell walls. The mechanism of action of porphyrin-based compounds against Gram-negative bacteria is still under investigation. Given the current research and proposed mechanism of action, further research into the effectiveness of these compounds against Gram-positive and negative bacteria is still warranted.
