Evaluation of the combinations between bacteriophages and antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant clones of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Grant number: 25/18089-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Cristina Gales
• Grantee: Yohanna Carvalho dos Santos Aoun Chikhani
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project), AP.CEPID

Abstract

The growing antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge, especially for pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are resistant to carbapenems. Phage therapy re-emerges as a promising approach against these microorganisms due to its specificity and co-evolutionary capacity. This project aims to evaluate the synergy between bacteriophages and antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant clones of these pathogens. The study will analyze phage infection kinetics, in vitro and in vivo interactions with antimicrobials, resistance frequency and mechanisms, as well as bacterial virulence and structural alterations. The goal is to contribute to the development of more effective combined therapeutic strategies.