Pinning down a drug-resistant ESKAPE artist, with Jenny-Lee Thomassin
- Author
- Jen Quesnel
- Published
- Sun 13 Sep 2020
- Episode Link
- https://ovdr-com.libsyn.com/jenny-lee-thomassin-uncovers-molecular-secrets-hiding-inside-tiny-drug-resistant-bacteria
They're two millionths of a metre, and they can be found outside, as well as on your skin, even inside your nose, throat, and gut.
The World Health Organization calls Klebsiella pneumoniae a major concern, because this tiny bacteria can cause deadly infections.
Molecular microbiologist Jenny-Lee Thomassin recently arrived at the University of Saskatchewan to study one of the most drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
“Bacteria are constantly changing," said Thomassin. "What seems to be emerging in some places are crosses between classic and hypervirulent strains, where antibiotic-resistant bacterium can make a healthy person sick."
Hear why she likens her work to fixing a car engine blindfolded.
