Overview
I am a microbiologist with an interest in polymicrobial infections such as periodontal disease and diabetic foot infections. My research has focused on profiling these complex communities with a particular emphasis on the anaerobic species present. I am keen to understand the effect of the environment on the different species within these communities and how we might manipulate the environment to eliminate certain species. I am also interested in alternative delivery routes for antibiotics such as local release carriers which could reduce exposure of the gut microfllora to antibiotics and deliver the higher concentrations needed to tackle biofilms.
I have also worked in healthcare for a number of years and time spent with patients has inspired my research interests and improving patient outcomes is at the core of my work.
I studied for my PhD at the Eastman Dental Institute (UCL) and after a career break I have returned to a STEM career with the support of a Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowship.
Qualifications
1991-1999 PhD Microbiology, University College London
1987-1990 BSc (Hons) Biological Science, University of Plymouth
Career
2019-present Research Fellow, University of Exeter
2017-2019 Daphne Jackson Trust Fellow, University of Exeter
1991-1999 Research assistant, University College London
Links
Research group links
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Research
Research networks
National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Exeter Clinical Laboratory (Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Healthcare Trust)
Macleod Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Healthcare Trust)
Eastman Dental Institute (UCL)
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Publications
Journal articles
Fletcher J, Manley R, Fitch C, Bugert C, Moore K, Farbos A, Michelsen M, Alathari S, Senior N, Mills A, et al (2024). The Citizen Phage Library: Rapid Isolation of Phages for the Treatment of Antibiotic Resistant Infections in the UK.
Microorganisms,
12(2), 253-253.
Abstract.
Fletcher J, Porter R, Boulton Z, Brown L, Knight B, Romanczuk L, Aiken S, Delury C, Michell S (2022). In vitro efficacy of antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate beads (Stimulan Rapid Cure) against polymicrobial communities and individual bacterial strains derived from diabetic foot infections.
J Med Microbiol,
71(5).
Abstract.
Author URL.
Fletcher J, Porter R, Aiken S, Delury C, Michell S (2019). The effect of local release antibiotic beads on in-vitro bacterial growth from tissue taken from infected diabetic foot ulcers.
Access Microbiology,
1(1A).
Abstract.
Fletcher JM, Nair SP, Ward JM, Henderson B, Wilson M (2001). Analysis of the effect of changing environmental conditions on the expression patterns of exported surface-associated proteins of the oral pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
Microb Pathog,
30(6), 359-368.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Ward J, Fletcher J, Nair SP, Wilson M, Williams RJ, Poole S, Henderson B (2001). Identification of the exported proteins of the oral opportunistic pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by using alkaline phosphatase fusions.
Infect Immun,
69(4), 2748-2752.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Sharp L, Poole S, Reddi K, Fletcher J, Nair S, Wilson M, Curtis M, Henderson B, Tabonal P (1998). A lipid A-associated protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis, derived from the haemagglutinating domain of the RI protease gene family, is a potent stimulator of interleukin 6 synthesis.
Microbiology (Reading),
144 ( Pt 11), 3019-3026.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Fletcher J, Nair S, Poole S, Henderson B, Wilson M (1998). Cytokine degradation by biofilms of Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Curr Microbiol,
36(4), 216-219.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Fletcher J, Reddi K, Poole S, Nair S, Henderson B, Tabona P, Wilson M (1997). Interactions between periodontopathogenic bacteria and cytokines.
J Periodontal Res,
32(1 Pt 2), 200-205.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Wilson M, Patel H, Fletcher J (1996). Susceptibility of biofilms of Streptococcus sanguis to chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride.
Oral Microbiol Immunol,
11(3), 188-192.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Gibson MT, Mangat D, Gagliano G, Wilson M, Fletcher J, Bulman J, Newman HN (1994). Evaluation of the efficacy of a redox agent in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
J Clin Periodontol,
21(10), 690-700.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Barber PM, Fletcher JM, Newman HN (1993). Demonstration of the Glycocalyces Associated with Three Oral Gram-Negative Bacterial Species Using a Modern Acrylic Resin Technique. Journal of Structural Biology, 110(3), 180-187.
Fletcher JM, Wilson M (1993). Effect of a Redox Agent, Methylene Blue, on the Survival of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Vitro. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 16(Supplement_4), S409-S410.
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