Publications by authors named "Cassandra I Matter"
The rapid detection and species-level differentiation of bacterial pathogens facilitates antibiotic stewardship and improves disease management. Here, we develop a rapid bacteriophage-based diagnostic assay to detect the most prevalent pathogens causing urinary tract infections: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Klebsiella spp.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacteriophages operate via pathogen-specific mechanisms of action distinct from conventional, broad-spectrum antibiotics and are emerging as promising alternative antimicrobials. However, phage-mediated killing is often limited by bacterial resistance development. Here, we engineer phages for target-specific effector gene delivery and host-dependent production of colicin-like bacteriocins and cell wall hydrolases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Bacteriophages (phages) are effective biocontrol agents for food safety, particularly targeting pathogenic bacteria through their receptor binding proteins (RBPs).
- The study focuses on understanding the RBPs of two phages, EP75 and EP335, which are known to infect pathogenic strains of E. coli serotype O157.
- The RBP structures of both phages have been characterized, revealing distinct tail fibers and their abilities to target specific bacterial surface components, which explains their broad infectivity and potential use in antibacterial applications.