Microbiome profiling of non-healing filarial lymphedema wounds in Ghana.

Project Summary/Abstract This proposal presents a five-year research career development program focused on advancing the field of microbiome in non-healing filarial lymphedema wounds in Ghana. Lymphatic filariasis (LF), often referred to as 'hidden hunger,' is one such condition that demands our immediate attention and unwavering commitment. In the shadows of global

health priorities, LF has quietly spread its roots across 72 countries, ensnaring over 120 million lives, primarily in regions where healthcare resources are scarce. This is even more dire among individuals with late-stage presentations such as lymphedema. Focused on addressing the challenges posed by empirical treatment approach in managing infection-related LF

complications such as chronic non-healing filarial wounds, increasing prevalence of antibiotic- resistant strains, we seek to pursue molecular-focused research with the opportunities that this comprehensive career development program provides. Leveraging advanced technologies and the QIIME 2 platform, the project seeks to identify unique microbial

signatures in lymphedema wounds and resistance patterns, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes in LMICs. This is aimed at understanding the dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities, exploring the interrelationship between the microbial profiles and the clinical outcomes, establishing a LF-specific genomic library, and developing predictive

algorithms for monitoring wound healing progression in LF patients. Understanding for instance, the microbial dynamics of LF-related infective complications will challenge the current research and clinical practice paradigms as it will pave the way for more definitive healthcare strategies that will mark a significant departure from empirical treatments, offering

the advantage of evidence-based, targeted interventions. This project will help generate substantial dataset that will guide the development of relevant policies and guidelines that will encourage the policy implementation such as antibiotic stewardship practices and evidence- based management thereby optimizing patient outcomes. Again, as part of the approaches

toward achieving the program's goals, this career development research project also focuses on enhancing leadership skills, strengthening research capacity through mentorship, and collaboration to drive impactful research outcomes and contribute to the improvement of healthcare practices among filarial lymphedema patients in LMICs.