Faeces as a licensed medicine
Research themes
Antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology, rapid diagnostics for infection, clinical trials.
Peter’s work focuses on the following 4 areas:
Research activity
Novel resistance mechanisms
Peter’s research group is currently studying widely dispersed and clinically very important mechanisms of resistance to Extended Spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenem antibiotics. Collaboration both locally across the Midlands and internationally in China and India are involved in characterising the molecular basis and genetic mobility of newly emerging and emerged resistance genes to these antibiotics.
Molecular epidemiology
Peter has been involved in developing novel molecular characterisation techniques for nosocomial (hospital acquired) bacteria for over 30 years. The group is exploring the use of genomics and other genetic techniques which can be applied quickly to differentiate particular clones of bacteria causing nosocomial infection. A wide range of pathogens from Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium difficile and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is studied by the group.
Identification of nosocomial pathogens
Rapid methods for screening patients and identifying nosocomial bacteria are both developed and existing methodologies subjected to clinical trial by the group.
Novel interventions to reduce nosocomial infection
Currently studied approaches include the introduction of clinical care systems to enhance control of nosocomial infection and the use of novel probiotic strategies. Development and research on the use of Faecal Transplant Therapy (FTT) for treating severe Clostridium difficile infection. Peter has established the largest UK FTT service and is applying the technique with Professor Tigobal to the treatment of IBD. Read the BBC article on this research here.
Research study protocols
“Effect of General Practice characteristics and antibiotic prescribing on E. coli antibiotic non-susceptibility in the West Midlands region of England – a four year ecological study.”