Meeting with Dr. Max Maurin

As we wanted to produce a useful detection device in the medical field, we early contacted Pr. Max Maurin head leader of the infectious agents’ department in the institute of Biology and pathology-CHU Grenoble.

From left to right: Dr.Max Maurin, Nadia, Jérôme

Jérôme explaining the project in order to have the specialist's opinion

The professor explained to us that one of the major problems in the hospital is nosocomial infections by Staphylococcus Aureus. Indeed, in France, nosocomial infections due to Staphylococcus Aureus represent 18,9% of the total nosocomial infections, which is the highest rate after E.Coli (24.7%) [1]

In the case of Staphylococcus Aureus two types of detection are used in the laboratory: whether PCR or common plate tests.

If the doctors need a quick answer (within a couple of hours) or suspect resistance to Methicillin they use PCR which is quick but still expensive and needs qualified staff: It costs between 15 and 20 euros.

Otherwise, they use the common technique of plate tests. This technique is less expensive (2 euros) but needs much more time (48 hours).

Dr.Max Maurin explaining the different pathogen detection methods

The professor also explained that because of the expenses, last year, the hospital couldn’t afford to make an assessment of the contamination level with S.Aureus for all the hospital rooms. Such a study should be done at least once a year in order to ensure a safe environment for the medical staff as well as the patients.

So designing a quick, cheap and reliable S.Aureus detector is a real need. It will not only increase patients life expectancy by helping prescribe the right treatment on time, but it will also help decrease the expenses and ensure a safe and non-contaminated environment.

References

[1] http://www.securitesoins.fr/fic_bdd/pdf_fr_fichier/12405659920_LES_INFECTIONS_NOSOCOMIALES.pdf

Team:Grenoble/Human Practice/Meeting

From 2012.igem.org

Meeting with Dr. Max Maurin

References