OBOWE 2 Study now open to recruitment
Open wounds can become infected, which may lead to serious health problems. Currently, large open wounds are assessed for infection by looking for visible signs (such as redness, swelling, or signs of body-wide inflammation) and by sending wound swabs for lab analysis during dressing changes. Some wounds also produce a strong, unpleasant smell, which can be caused by certain bacteria or dead tissue.
It is often difficult to tell whether a smelly wound is truly infected or just colonized by bacteria, unless an expert makes that judgment. Traditional lab testing takes 48–72 hours to identify the main bacterial strain, so doctors often start antibiotics based on their best guess. This can lead to overuse of antibiotics and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
An olfactory biosensor (“electronic nose”) can detect gases released by bacteria, giving rapid, on-site results. This technology could help distinguish between harmless bacterial colonization and infections that could cause sepsis, allowing for better antibiotic use and improved patient outcomes.
The study aims to recruit 20 patients within 6 months and is currently open to recruitment. Find out more about this study here.