Fund Madison's Innovative Aeromonas Study

My name is Madison Altieri and I am a PhD student at Bowling Green State University. To graduate, I have to perform research on a topic of my choosing. My research focuses on a bacteria called Aeromonas and alternative methods to treating Aeromonas infections using viruses, called phage.

WHAT ARE THE BROAD IMPACTS OF AEROMONAS, AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE?

In humans, Aeromonas causes skin and gastrointestinal infections.

In fish, Aeromonas is much deadlier, especially in aquaculture/fish farming. The disease can cost fish farmers/aquaculture technicians billions of dollars per year.

AEROMONAS IS RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS. WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, those antibiotics can no longer treat the infection by killing the bacteria.

WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE OTHER THAN ANTIBIOTICS?

Phage therapy is one of the leading alternative options for antibiotics! Phage are viruses that specifically kill bacteria!

IS PHAGE THERAPY SAFE?

Phage therapy has been shown to be safe to use in humans. In fact, phage therapy has been used multiple times in the U.S. and in other countries! There are current FDA trials for phage therapy use.

WHERE ARE PHAGE AND HOW DO WE STUDY THEM?

Phage are everywhere! They are in the water, soil, and even within your body right now!

We study these viruses by isolating them through laboratory techniques.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Science is expensive, and I am currently seeking funds from people who are willing to contribute to this research that I began. Any funds donated will be used directly for lab materials to perform research, such as bacterial growth media, reagents, sequencing, and more. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.