Therapeutics & Vaccines
Genetically Modified Gardnerella Species, Compositions, Methods of Making, and Methods of Use Thereof
WARF: P240086US02
Inventors: Joseph Dillard, Amy Klimowicz, Erin Garcia
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a mutant form of Gardernella where the toxin is knocked out. This non-pathogenic version of the bacteria could be developed into a safer treatment for bacterial vaginosis than current antibiotic treatments. The non-toxigenic bacteria would be applied in a way to outcompete the pathogenic bacteria and bring balance back to the vaginal microbiome. This bacterium could also serve as a vaccine against pathogenic Gardernella. The researchers have developed a method for genetically modifying this genus of bacteria that could be used by other researchers studying Gardernella.