Improving resistance to colonisation of the gut microbiota by vancomycin-resistant enterococci: proof of concept of a preclinical model in the mouse and determination of the underlying mechanisms

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for resistance to intestinal colonisation by VRE is essential to fighting infections and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of using commensal bacteria as a strategy to enhance resistance to colonisation of the gut microbiota by enterococci. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism(s) for resistance to enterococcal colonisation using commensal bacterial in a preclinical mouse model. To achieve this goal, we shall combine high-throughput sequencing techniques, mathematical modelling and modelling of the microbial ecology of gut microbiota dynamics in a mouse model. The knowledge acquired will enable us to propose commensal bacteria as an alternative or supplement to antibiotics, and as markers for the risk of proliferation of pathobionts induced by antibiotics.