Antimicrobial Awareness Week: Educate. Advocate. Act Now.
- Ronell Klingman
- Nov 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent but growing crisis. In 2019 alone, bacterial AMR contributed to an estimated 5 million deaths worldwide, a number projected to rise to 10 million annually by 2050 if we don’t act now.
Creating public awareness
Decades of excessive antibiotic use have fueled this rise, yet the drivers behind antibiotic prescribing are complex. Patients often overestimate the effectiveness of antibiotics, and this expectation can influence prescribers to initiate treatment even when it may not be appropriate. Addressing these misconceptions is critical. Numerous public health campaigns, such as World AMR Awareness Week, aim to raise awareness and engage both prescribers and patients in a shared mission: more informed, responsible use of antibiotics.
Innovative diagnostics
Effective solutions require fast, affordable, and reliable antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Unfortunately, roughly 50% of antibiotic treatments are still initiated without a definitive diagnosis, often with the wrong antibiotic. Cutting-edge diagnostic technologies are paving the way forward:
Mass Spectrometry and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) are evolving to provide quicker and more precise pathogen identification and resistance detection.
Single-Cell Morphological Analysis (SCMA) offers real-time insights into bacterial response to antibiotics by observing cellular changes before bacterial growth occurs.
Colorimetric Sensor Arrays and Electronic Noses (eNose) detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from bacterial metabolism, offering a low-cost approach to pathogen detection.
Proof-of-concept technologies like real-time qPCR can provide rapid insights into pathogen behavior under antibiotic exposure, potentially revolutionizing rapid AST at the point of care. However, challenges remain, such as the need for specialized facilities, skilled personnel, and high costs.
By embracing these technologies, we have the potential to save lives, reduce hospital stays, and curb healthcare costs.
To read more:
doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00308
#AMR #AntimicrobialAwareness #AntimicrobialAwarenessMonth #EducateAdvocateAct #StopAMR #FightAMR #AMRAwareness
