Job Title: Professor of Microbiology
Room No: D204b
Telephone No: + 44 (0) 29 2041 6845
Email Address: rcooper@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Teaching
Module teaching MBS 7008 MSc Medical Microbiology
Research
Rose Cooper began to investigate the microbiology of wounds in 1992, which led to an interest in the efficacy of topical antimicrobial agents. Since 1997 she has been especially interested in studying the mode of action of manuka honey on antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria isolated from infected and chronic wounds, such as MRSA.
She has also been investigating the potential of bacteria recovered from wounds to form biofilms and searching for ways to limit biofilm formation. More recently, she has been testing combinations of antibiotics and honey on wound pathogens to find synergistic interactions. In collaboration with Prof Chris Griffith, the role of hospital environmental surfaces in the transmission of bacteria has been explored, with a view to limiting cross-infection by effective cleaning.
Rose has contributed to several books, some television and radio programmes and has been an invited speaker at conferences in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, Slovenia, Turkey and USA.
Publications
In the area of wound infection:
Cooper R (2016) Chapter 6: Understanding Biofilms. Essential Wound microbiology. Ed V. Edwards-Jones; OUP, Oxford.
White R, Lindsay E, Fletcher J, Drewery K, Cooper R. (2016) Leg ulcer care: should we be washing the legs and taking time for effective skin care? Wounds UK 12(1): 8-14
Swanson T, Keast D, Cooper R, Black J, Angel D, Schultz G, Carville K, Fletcher J (2015). Top ten tips: Identification of wound infection in a chronic wound. Wounds International. 6(2): 22-27
Sussman G, Swanson T, Black J, Cooper R, Schultz G, Fletcher J, Smith D. (2014) Ten top tips: reducing antibiotic resistance. Wounds International 5(4): 4-8
Keast D, Swanson T, et al (2014) Top ten tips: managing surgical site infections. Wounds International 5(3): 13-18
Cooper RA, Bjarnsholt T, Alhede M. (2014) Biofilms in wounds: a review of present knowledge. J Wound Care 23 (10): 570-580
Keast D et al (2014) Ten top tips: managing surgical site infections. Wounds International 5(3): 13-18
Cooper R (2013) Surgical site infections: epidemiology and microbiological aspects in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Int Wound J. 10(suppl. 1):3-8
Cooper RA, Ameen H, Price P, McCulloch DA, Harding KG (2009) A clinical investigation into the microbiological status of 'locally infected' led ulcers. Int. Wound J. 6(6): 453-462
Cooper R, White R (2009) Cutaneous infections in lymphoedema. Journal of Lymphoedema 4 (1): 44-48.
Vowden, P, Cooper RA (2006) Guidelines for managing wound infection. EWMA Position Document. pp 2-7 London: MEP Ltd
Cooper RA (2005) Understanding wound infection. EWMA Position Document pp 2-5 London; MEP Ltd 7.
Cooper R, Leaper D. (2005) Organisms of interest to the general surgeon. Surgery 23(8): 278-281
In the area of topical agents used in the treatment of wounds:
Jenkins R, Wootton M, Howe R, Cooper R. (2015) A demonstration of the susceptibility of clinical isolates obtained from cystic fibrosis patients to manuka honey. Archives of Microbiology. 197(4): 597-601. Published on line 14th February. Doi 10.1007/s00203-015-1091-6
Roberts AEL, Maddocks SE, Cooper RA (2015) Manuka honey reduces the motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by suppression of flagella-associated genes. J Antimmicrob Chemother; 70(3): 716-725, doi:10.1093/jac/dku448 pub 16th November 2014 (advanced access).
Cooper R (2014) Honey as an effective antimicrobial treatment for chronic wounds: is there a place for it in modern medicine? Chronic Wound Care Management and Research. 1: 15-22
Cooper R. Jenkins L, Hooper S (2014) Inhibition of biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Medihoney in vitro. J Wound Care 23 (3): 93-104
Cooper R (2014) Impact of honey as a topical treatment for wounds remains unclear. Evidenced Based Medicine 19(1):11 [published on-line 8th June doi: 10.1136/eb-2013-101331]
Gottrup F, Apelqvist J, Bjarnsholt T, Cooper R, Moore Z, Peters E.J.G, Probst S. (2013) EWMA document: antimicrobials and non-healing wounds-evidence, controversies and suggestions. J Wound Care 22 (5 suppl): S1-S92. http://www.journalofwoundcare.com/
Cooper R. (2013) Inhibition of biofilms by glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, guaiacol (GLG)- the active antibacterial component in an enzyme alginogel. Int Wound J. 10(6): 630-637
Kronda JM, Cooper RA. Maddocks SE (2013) Manuka honey inhibits siderophone prohibition production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Applied Microbiology 115: 86-90
Maddocks SE, Jenkins RE, Rowlands RS, Perdy KJ, Cooper RA (2013 ) Manuka honey inhibits adhesion and invasion of medically important bacteria in vitro. Future Microbiology 8:1523-36. doi: 10.2217/fmb.13.126
Jenkins R, Burton N, Cooper R, (2014) Proteomic and genomic analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exposed to manuka honey in vitro demonstrated down-regulation of virulence markers. J Antimicrob Chemother 69(3): 603-615 Oct 31. [Epub ahead of print] JAC ID: dkt430
Seckam A, Cooper R (2013) Understanding how honey impacts on wounds: an update on recent research findings. Wounds International 4(1): 20-24
Cooper R (2013) Chapter 22 Emerging Technologies; 22.1: Natural Products in Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe's Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization 5th edition
Ed Fraise A.P., Maillard J-Y. and Satter S.A. Wiley-Blackwell. Chichester, UK
White R, et. al. (2013) Best practice Statement: The use of topical antimicrobial agents in wound management (3rd edition). Wounds UK Oct 2013
Maddocks SE, Jenkins RE, Rowlands RS, Perdy K., Cooper RA (2013) Manuka honey inhibits adhesion and invasion of medically important bacteria in vitro. Future Microbiology 8:1523-36 doi: 10.2217/fmb.13.126
Jenkins R, Cooper R (2012) Improving antibiotic activity against wound pathogens with manuka honey in vitro PLoS ONE 7(9)e45600
Roberts R, Maddocks S, Cooper R (2012) Manuka honey is bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and results in differential expression of OprF and algD Microbiology 158: 3005-3013
Green A, Rowlands R, Cooper R, Maddocks S (2012) The effect of the flavonol morin on adhesion and aggregation of Streptococcus pyogenes. FEMS Microbiology Letters DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02598.x
Cooper R, Jenkins R (2012) Are there feasible prospects for manuka honey as an alternative to conventional antimicrobials? Expert Reviews in Antimicrobial Therapy 10(6): 623-5
Jenkins R, Wootton M, Howe R, Cooper R (2012) Susceptibility to manuka honey of Staphylococcus aureus with varying sensitivities to vancomycin. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 40: 88-89. Published online 11 May 2012. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2012.03.014
Jenkins RE, Cooper RA (2012) Synergy between oxacillin and manuka honey sensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin J Antimicrob Chemother 67(6): 1405-7 Epub 2012 Mar 1. Doi: 10.1093/jac/dks071)
Maddocks SE, Lopez MS, Rowlands R, Cooper RA (2012) Manuka honey inhibits the development of Streptococcus pyogenes biofilms and causes reduced expression of two fibronectin binding proteins. Microbiology 158: 781-790 doi: 10.1099/mic.0.053959-0
Jenkins R, Burton N, Cooper R (2011) Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Antimicrob. Chemother 66:2536-2542. Epub 7th Sep 2011 doi: 10.1093/jac/dkr340
Cooper R (2011) Is the use of honey for the treatment of biofilms a sticky subject? Microbiologist 12(4): 30-32
Cooper R (2011) Honey for wounds: an ancient remedy for a modern problem. Microbiology Today 38: 234-237
Henriques AF, Jenkins RE, Burton NF, Cooper RA (2011) The effect of manuka honey on the structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol, Infect. Dis 30(2): 167-171
Jenkins RE, Burton NF, Cooper RA (2011) The Effect of Manuka Honey on the Expression of Universal Stress Protein A in Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureas. Int J Antimicrob Agents 37: 373-376
Cooper RA, Lindsey E, Molan PC (2011) Testing the susceptibility to manuka honey of streptococci isolated from wound swabs. J. Apriproduct & ApiMedical Science 3(3): 117-122
Cooper RA, Jenkins L, Henriques AF, Duggan RS, Burton NF (2010) Absence of bacterial resistance to medical-grade manuka honey. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 29(1): 1237-1241
Henriques AF, Jenkins RE, Burton NF, Cooper RA (2010) The intracellular effects of manuka honey on Staphylococcus aureus. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 29 (1): 45-50. DOI 10.1007/s10096-009-0817-2
Cooper RA, Jenkins L (2009) A comparison between medical grade honey and table honeys in relation to antimicrobial efficacy. Wounds 21 (2): 29-36
Okhiria O, Henriques AFM, Burton NF, Peters A, Cooper RA (2009) Honey modulates biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a time and dose dependent manner Journal of ApiProduct and ApiMedical Science 1 (1): 6-10 doi 0.3896/IBRA.4.01.1.03
Robson V, Cooper R (2009) Using Leptospermum honey to manage wounds impaired by radiotherapy: a case series Ostomy Wound Management 55(1): 38-47
Honey for Modern Wound Management Ed Cooper R, Molan P, White R (2009) HealthComm UK Limited: Aberdeen. ISBN-13 978-0-9555758-5-3
Cooper RA, Wheat E-J, Burton NF (2008) An investigation into the wound healing potential of Welsh honeys Journal of Apicultural Research 47 (4): 251-255 doi10.3896/IBRA.1.47.4.03
Jenkins RE, Burton NF, Cooper RA (2008) A laboratory survey of the antimicrobial properties of honey-containing dressings. EWMA Journal 8 (3): 11-16
Robson V, Cooper RA, Ehsan ME. (2007) The use of honey in wound management following ENT surgery. Primary Intention 15 (4): 176-180
Cooper RA (2007) Iodine re-visited. Int. Wound J. 4(2): 124-137
Henriques A, Jackson S, Cooper R, Burton N. (2006) Free radical production and quenching in honeys with wound healing potential. J. Antimic. Chem. 58: 773-777
Henriques A, Burton NF, Cooper RA. (2005) Antibacterial activity of selected Portuguese honeys. J. Apicult. Res. 44(3): 119-123
French VM, Cooper RA, Molan PC (2005) The antibacterial effect of honey against coagulase-negative staphylococci. J. Antimic. Chem. 56: 228-231
Tonks, A.J., Cooper, R.A., Jones, K.P., Blair, S., Parton, J., Tonks, A. (2003) Honey stimulates inflammatory cytokine production from monocytes. Cytokine 21: 242-247.
Cooper, R.A., Halas, E., Molan, P.C. (2002). The efficacy of honey in inhibiting strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected burns. The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation 23 (6): 366-370.
Cooper, R.A., Molan, P.C., Harding, K.G. (2002). The sensitivity to honey of Gram-positive cocci of clinical significance isolated from wounds. J. Appl. Micro. 93: 857-863.
Cooper, R.A., Molan, P.C., Krishnamoorthy, L.K., & Harding, K.G. (2001) Manuka honey used to heal a recalcitrant surgical wound. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 20: 758-759 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100960100590
Tonks, A., Cooper, R.A., Price, A.J., Molan, P.C., & Jones, K.P. (2001). Stimulation of TNF - release in monocytes by honey. Cytokine 14 (4); 240-242.
Natarajan, S., Williamson, D., Grey, J., Harding, K.G., and Cooper, R.A. (2001). Healing of an MRSA-colonized, hydroxurea induced leg ulcer with honey. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 12 (1); 33-36.
Cooper, R.A., Wigley, P., & Burton, N.F (2000) Susceptibility of multiresistant strains of Burkholderia cepacia to honey. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 31: 20-24
Dunford, C., Cooper, R.A., & Molan, P.C. (2000) Using honey as a dressing for infected skin lesions. Nursing Times (NT Plus) 96 (4): 7-9
Cooper, R.A., Molan, P.C., Harding, K.G (1999). The effectiveness of the antibacterial activity of honey against strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. J. Royal Soc. Med. 92: 283-285.
Cooper, R.A. & Molan, P.C. (1999) The use of honey as an antiseptic in Pseudomonas infection. J. Wound Care 8 (4): 161-164
In the area of hospital environmental surfaces and cleaning:
Griffith CJ, Obee P, Cooper RA, Burton NF, Lewis M (2007) The effectiveness of existing and modified cleaning regimens in a Welsh hospital. J. Hosp. Infect. 66: 352-359
Obee P, Griffith CJ, Cooper RA, Bennion NE (2007) An evaluation of different methods for the recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from environmental surfaces. J. Hosp. Infect. 65: 35-41
Cooper RA, Griffith CJ, Malik RE, Obee P, Looker N (2007) Monitoring the effectiveness of cleaning in four British hospitals. Am J. Infect. Cont. 35(5): 338-341
Obee PC, Griffith CJ, Cooper RA, Cooke RP, Bennion NE, Lewis M. (2005) Real-time monitoring in managing the decontamination of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. Am J. Infect. Control 33: 202-206.
Griffith, C.J., Malik, R., Cooper, R.A., Looker, N. (2003). The potential for hand recontamination during handwashing. Am. J. Infect. Control. 31(2): 93-96
Malik, R.E., Cooper, R.A., Griffith, C.J. (2003). The use of audit tools to evaluate the efficacy of cleaning systems in hospitals. Am. J. Infect. Control. 31(3): 181-187
In the area of freeze drying and manufacturing:
Cherry C, Millward H, Cooper R, Landon J (2012) A novel approach to sterile pharmaceutical freeze-drying Pharmaceutical Development and Technology posted on-line on January 16, 2013 (doi: 10.3109/10837450.2012.752388)
Cherry C, Cooper RA, Millward H, Landon J. (2015) Proof of concept: Containment systems that prevent freeze-drier contamination when lyophilising Escherichia coli (JM 109). Drying Technol. 33(4): 466-470.
O'Malley, FL, Millward H, Eggbeer D, Williams R, Cooper R. (2016). The use of Adenosine Triphosphate bioluminescence for assessing the cleanliness of additive-manufacturing materials used in medical applications. Additive Manufacturing. 9: 25-29
External Links
Trustee of the Eva Crane Trust
Vice Chairman of the General Committee of the International Wound Infection Institute
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Member of European Wound Management Association
Member of the Welsh Microbiology Association
Member of the Society for General Microbiology
Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
Editorial Board of Journal of Wound Care
Editorial Board of Wounds UK
