Dogs trained to detect bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients

Scientists at Imperial College London are exploring the potential of dogs to help detect harmful bacteria in patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis. A golden labrador named Jodie has shown the ability to sniff out specific bacteria, which could lead to less invasive testing options. Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to chronic infections. Thanks to new drugs, many patients now live longer. However, these drugs make it harder to detect the bacteria that still pose a risk to their health. Professor Jane Davies emphasizes that the dogs could offer an innovative solution. By training dogs to identify the bacterium pseudomonas, which can cause severe infections, they aim to improve patient care. In previous research, dogs accurately identified samples containing pseudomonas in controlled tests. With new funding from medical charities, the team plans to expand this work. They hope dogs can eventually detect pseudomonas on the skin, in urine, or on clothing. This method could be beneficial for diagnosing not just cystic fibrosis but also other infections. Detecting bacteria like pseudomonas is often challenging in clinics. Current testing methods can be invasive and costly. Utilizing dogs for this purpose could provide a faster, less uncomfortable alternative. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing global concern, causing about one million deaths each year. Researchers underline the importance of precise detection to ensure effective treatment. The team believes that canine helpers like Jodie could play a crucial role in addressing antimicrobial resistance in the future.