Recipient: Twincore, Zentrum für Experimentelle und Klinische Infektionsforschung GmbH (Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research)
Funding: GO-Bio initial conceptual phase 4 (01/10/2023 to 30/09/2024, EUR 99,985.82)

Project description:

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Despite the clinical need, microbiological diagnostics have hardly changed in recent decades – early diagnosis for targeted treatment and infection control is still lacking.

The SeqQuery project is developing a new diagnostic tool based on sequencing, i.e., the determination of the base sequence of the bacterial genome. To this end SeqQuery will establish a comprehensive bacterial genome database that will serve as a reference for the identification of relevant sequence variations. Genetic differences, so-called molecular markers, between an antibiotic-sensitive and a resistant pathogen can thus be read out and statements about antibiotic resistance and disease-causing properties, the pathogenicity potential of a pathogen, can be automatically made in a quick and reliable manner. This diagnostic tool surpasses current diagnostic systems in terms of predictive power and speed, enabling healthcare to be tailored to the individual patient. As part of the exploratory phase a software prototype will be developed and optimised, also through the involvement of external users. A market and property rights analysis and the development of an implementation strategy for the most promising exploitation option will additionally be carried out.