Reducing the risk of bacterial infections in rural communities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing the risk of bacterial infections in rural communities
IRAS ID
159052
Contact name
Mark Baird
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University - School of Chemsitry
Research summary
This study aims to help understand why people get ill from bacterial pathogens such as E. coli O157 and Campylobacter. The project will also look at using novel molecules to detect mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis. Human infection with such pathogens may be rare, but can lead to major health impacts, especially in young children and elderly people. The gut system of cattle and sheep is the main natural source of such bugs. However, although livestock farmers and slaughterhouse workers may frequently come into contact with infected animals, it appears that they are less likely to become infected by these bugs. The aim of this study is to find out why. Work previously done at Bangor University indicated that people with regular exposure to low levels of the bacteria have higher levels of antibodies and are then capable of resisting infection or not show any symptoms (i.e. they possess some immunity to infection). This study aims to build upon the findings of the previous study. We will measure antibody levels against a range of different bacteria in blood samples from 300 volunteers from the rural community in Wales. We hope to obtain samples from those frequently in contact with livestock (e.g. farmers and slaughterhouse workers) and from those who rarely or never come into contact with livestock. This will show whether some people do build immunity against these pathogens.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
14/WA/1046
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion