Attention was drawn to infections caused by medical devices, during an event organized by the CIU Faculty of Pharmacy

A seminar on "Medical Device Infections: How Host-Pathogen Interaction Affects Sensitivity Against Staphylococcus Bacteria" was organized by the Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Pharmacy.

The seminar which was organized and moderated by the CIU Faculty of Pharmacy Vice Dean, Assist. Prof Dr. Ender Volkan, featured Assist. Prof. Dr. Jennifer Walker from the University of Texas, McGovern School of Medicine as a speaker.

During the seminar, which was held with the wide participation of both undergraduate and graduate students from CIU and also academicians and scientists from both CIU and other institutions, Assist. Prof. Dr. Jennifer Walker provided information in relation to her scientific studies on Staphylococcus bacteria and the properties of bacteria to form infection and biofilms on medical devices.

Giving detailed information in relation to the molecular mechanisms of staphylococcal-based infections that can occur in catheters and breast implants, as well as urinary tract and skin infections, Assist Prof. Dr. Walker went on to explain the interactions of bacteria with the immune system and various therapy approaches.

Underlining that bacteria have formed a resistance to existing antibiotics due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the conditions of today, Walker elaborated that due to COVID-19, the problem of antibiotic resistance is currently overlooked, however it is still a serious problem.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Walker concluded that rational antibiotic use approaches can prevent the establishment of microbe resistance to drugs and added that in this way, the effectiveness of antibiotics can be maintained.

The scientifically appreciated seminar ended with a discussion of questions from students and academics.