80 year old box of infection samples saved by Prof. Sriskandan

Bacteria studied by Leonard and Dora Colebrook

Prof. Sriskandan tells the New Scientist why she saved an 80 year old box of infection samples

Professor Shiranee Sriskandan, theme lead for Applied Molecular Bacteriology at the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit recently spoke to the New Scientist about the history of antibiotic use and history of use of molecular techniques in infection control - and guidelines.

The New Scientist article reports on Professor Sriskandan’s discovery of 80 year old infection samples collected by Leonard Colebrook, a doctor at Queen Charlotte’s in the 1930s and a friend of Alexander Fleming.  Almost a decade before the general use of penicillin, Leonard Colebrook undertook the first trials of antibiotics at Queen Charlottes hospital in 1936, evaluating Prontosil Red to treat streptococcal puerperal sepsis. Within a year use of sulphonamides was widespread.

In 1930, Dora Colebrook, sister of Leonard and a scientist at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital was investigating how streptococcal infections were passed around the hospital. Her study showed that the same group A streptococci that endanger women around childbirth also circulate in the general population and cause sore throats. Dora Colebrook’s work resulted in establishing good hygiene practices within the medical community.

Read the full article about the sibling pioneers Leonard and Dora in the New Scientist.