We cordially invite you to the Joint Colloquium of the Peter Debye Institute, the Institute of Biochemistry, and b-ACT matter.
Topic of the colloquium:
Using physics to understand how bacteria infect urinary catheters
When?
Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 4:30 pm
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Rosalind Allen
(University of Jena)
Abstract:
Urinary catheters are used extensively in hospitals and long-term care and they are highly prone to infection. Understanding the pathways by which bacteria colonise a urinary catheter could guide strategies to mitigate infection, but quantitative models for this colonisation process are lacking. This is a problem where physics can help to bridge lengscales between bacteria (microns) and catheters (tens of cm). Prof. Allen will describe a mathematical model for bacterial colonisation of a urinary catheter, that integrates population dynamics and fluid dynamics. The model describes bacteria migrating up the outside surface of the catheter, spreading into the bladder and being swept through the catheter lumen. The model exhibits a phase transitions between states corresponding to bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) vs no bacteriuria. Computer simulations of the model reveal that clinical outcomes for long-term versus short-term catheterisation are controlled by different factors, that could be targeted by different interventions in catheter design and management protocols.
Where?
The event will take place in presence.
Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences
Linnestraße 5
04103 Leipzig
Small Lecture Hall (kleiner Hörsaal)
Host: Prof. Dr. Katja Taute
Everyone is welcome to a reception with coffee, drinks and cookies in the Aula following the talk.
For an up-to-date semester program, sign-up for the physics colloquium mailing list, and subscription to the digital calendars in CalDAV format, head to the colloquiums web page.
