Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria — with Dirt

Bacteria have become better at resisting the drugs we use to treat them. In fact, each year the Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than two million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and at least 23,000 people die.  

At Auburn, a team led by Mark Liles, a professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Sciences and Mathematics, is developing new, potent antibiotics from an interesting source—the ground beneath our feet. This Tiger Giving Day, you can help in the effort to develop this new source.

We are raising funds for a freeze dryer to help us process a greater number of samples more quickly, allowing us to develop new strains of antibiotics more rapidly. Your gifts will further our efforts to fight drug-resistant bacteria and bring new drugs online more quickly.

Through advanced genetic analysis techniques, we are identifying and isolating useful strains of microbes in soil that haven’t previously been studied. 

Many of these microbes have characteristics that make them particularly good at inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Harnessing these characteristics allows us to develop new, powerful antibiotics.  

Auburn researchers have already had tremendous success, however, there are significant time-consuming steps between analyzing a microbe, developing an antibiotic and then getting that antibiotic into a clinic where it can save lives. 

We know that the more quickly we can sample and process, the more quickly we get new antibiotics and new ways of treating infectious diseases.

You can help speed and shorten this process. Please help us reach our goal to purchase this important piece of equipment.

Thank you for your support. Please share this project with family and friends who may be interested!

War Eagle!