Lab test: dogs can sniff out dangerous microbes in lung disease sufferers

Imperial College project could lead to less invasive testing and combat increase in antibiotic resistance

- Robin McKie

Jodie is a canine with special powers, scientists have discovered. The golden labrador can smell and identify particular bacteria and could soon play a key role in helping researchers develop a programme in which dogs could sniff out individuals infected with dangerous microbes.

The project, recently launched by scientists at Imperial College London, could be vital in the battle against antibiotic resistance as well as the treatment of patients with lung disease and other conditions, they say.

"We believe Jodie and her fellow medical detective dogs point to a new way to spot infected individuals, just by having a sniff of their socks or shirts," said Professor Jane Davies at Imperial College.

"They could become a major help in tackling antimicrobial resistance and conditions like cystic fibrosis."

Cystic fibrosis is one of the world's most common inherited illnesses. A defective protein allows mucus to build up in lungs and other organs, triggering chronic infections that worsen through life.

Eighty years ago, most patients died in their teens. However drugs, called modulators, now offer patients a chance to live into old age. But this success has brought problems.