Glasgow Caledonian University -PhD Research Project Opportunity
Please note that as this project is not funded by a University studentship, the successful candidate will be required to
source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses while studying at the university.
Project Reference number 2013SHLS017
School/Institute/Research
Group

School of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences

Institute for Applied Health Research

Promoting and Protecting Health and Wellbeing
Research Discipline areas

Basic biomedical science research; microbiology, cell biology and molecular
biology
Research Theme

Healthcare associated infection
Project Title
Efficacy of linezolid in the treatment of healthcare associated staphylococcal infections
Research Project Area
Linezolid, an antimicrobial in the class oxazolidinones, has been in clinical use for in excess
of a decade for the treatment of skin and respiratory infections caused by Gram-positive
organisms, which may or may not be resistant to standard therapeutic agents, e.g.
methicillin susceptible (MSSA) and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coagulase
negative staphylococci (CoNS), vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE). Whilst restricted
use has helped to maintain activity against a range of pathogens loss of susceptibility
poses an emerging threat and an increase in resistance levels has been observed in
organisms such as Enterococcus faecium.
In contrast to an acquired resistance phenotype, bacterial cells may appear susceptible in
vitro to antibiotics and yet display tolerance in vivo, which can lead to instances of
treatment failure. The mechanisms responsible for tolerance remain unclear, but
undoubtedly are complex and may include factors such as biofilm-associated tolerance
and physiological changes in the bacterial cell due to antibiotic-induced stress.
This study will investigate the efficacy of linezolid in the treatment of serious
staphylococcal infections with an emphasis on the effectiveness of the agent in conditions
which mimic those encountered within the host during infection, including biofilmembedded bacterial cells and those in a state of antibiotic-related stress.
During the study the student will use a range of standard and advanced microbiology
methodologies, molecular biology techniques, and cell culture assays to evaluate the
efficacy of linezolid in the treatment of healthcare associated staphylococcal infections.
Supervisory Team
The student will join an experienced research team with excellent clinical and industrial
links.
Director of Studies: Dr Sue Lang, Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life
Sciences
1
Staff Contact

Dr Sue Lang, sue.lang@gcu.ac.uk
2