Tanel Tenson, Professor of Antimicrobial Technologies

Antibiotics against chronic bacterial infections

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We study the mechanisms of antibiotic action and the molecular bases of bacterial resistance. One of our main research areas focuses on protein synthesis inhibitors, particularly macrolides.

We are exploring new strategies to target dormant bacteria, which are often tolerant to conventional antibiotics and contribute to chronic, relapsing infections. Using screening-based approaches, we aim to identify compounds that retain activity against these metabolically inactive bacterial populations.
Such studies help to uncover why some antibiotics remain effective in difficult infection settings and provide leads for the development of therapies that eradicate persistent bacterial forms.

Phages and bacterial immunity

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Bacteria have their own viruses, called bacteriophages or phages, and have evolved diverse immune systems to defend themselves against phage infection.
Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms of these bacterial immune systems and their role in shaping bacterial evolution. At the same time, we explore the therapeutic potential of phages.
Because phages can specifically target and kill bacterial pathogens, they represent a promising alternative or complement to antibiotics, particularly in the context of multidrug-resistant infections.

Infectious agents in the environment and antibiotic resistance spread

The spread of antibiotic resistance is an ecological and societal challenge extending far beyond clinical settings. Antibiotics are also used in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, and the environment, where they drive the selection and dissemination of resistance genes.
We study the ecology of antibiotic resistance—how resistance develops, persists, and spreads between humans, animals, and the environment.

Coordination of national surveillance

Our group has coordinated studies on antibiotic resistance in Estonia, contributing to efforts of understanding and mitigating the spread of resistance. Pathogens in waste water can be used for estimating infection levels in the population. We used the waste water epidemiology method for estimating antibiotic resistance levels and developed a country level continuous monitoring system during the COVID-19 pandemics.

We have many integrated activities with the groups of Veljo Kisand, Vasili Hauryliuk & Gemma Atkinson and Karin Kogermann