Superbugs are a big health hazard resulting in 4.95 million deaths on average per year. Now, a superbug named Candida Auris has spread to 23 U.S. states. It has come under lens as it can hide in a person's hair follicles for months without any symptoms.

Superbug That Can Hide in Your Hair Spreads to 23 U.S. States | GRAVITAS 

Scientists are embarking on a £1.1 million project aimed at revolutionising drug production by using food by-products to develop new antimicrobial drugs.

Led by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the University of Surrey and GSK, the research endeavours to make antimicrobial production more cost-effective and sustainable, thereby addressing the pressing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The project seeks to leverage bacteria, particularly Streptomyces, known for their potential to produce various drugs including antimicrobials. By harnessing food by-products, the team is aiming to device a less carbon-intensive process for biomanufacturing, which could pave the way for a range of medications including anti-parasitic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, and immunosuppressant drugs.

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Prof. Paul Hoskisson, the lead researcher at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, underscored the urgency of this, stating, "a major challenge in industrial biotechnology is the use and exploitation of sustainable industrial feedstocks for fermentation bioprocesses which deliver greener manufacturing, less carbon intensive processes and cleaner growth, and do not compete with the food chain"

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The project will employ engineering biology approaches to steer antimicrobial-producing bacteria towards using food by-products, thereby circumventing the need for expensive, food-grade feedstocks. This will aim to ensure that high-value drugs are still produced while making use of food by-products.

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Prof. Claudio Avignone Rossa from the University of Surrey pointed out the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches to drug development and production. Rossa stated, "Pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics can limit our ability to treat common infections and deliver other lifesaving treatments such as chemotherapy. Antimicrobial drugs are available; however, their development and production are costly, it is important that we think innovatively and use our knowledge of bacterial metabolism to overcome this problem.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are embarking on a £1.1 million project aimed at revolutionising drug production by using food by-products to develop new antimicrobial drugs. Led by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the University of Surrey and GSK, the research endeavours to make antimicrobial production more cost-effective and sustainable, thereby addressing the pressing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Scientists are embarking on a £1.1 million project aimed at revolutionising drug production by using food by-products to develop new antimicrobial drugs. Led by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the University of Surrey and GSK, the research endeavours to make antimicrobial production more cost-effective and sustainable, thereby addressing the pressing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The project seeks to leverage bacteria, particularly Streptomyces, known for their potential to produce various drugs including antimicrobials. By harnessing food by-products, the team is aiming to device a less carbon-intensive process for biomanufacturing, which could pave the way for a range of medications including anti-parasitic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, and immunosuppressant drugs. Also Read | ‘It gives me chills’: Voyager mission’s first images of Io reveal volcanic fury Prof. Paul Hoskisson, the lead researcher at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, underscored the urgency of this, stating, "a major challenge in industrial biotechnology is the use and exploitation of sustainable industrial feedstocks for fermentation bioprocesses which deliver greener manufacturing, less carbon intensive processes and cleaner growth, and do not compete with the food chain" Also Read | Subduction zone stirring beneath Gibraltar Strait, research warns it may ‘invade’ Atlantic ocean The project will employ engineering biology approaches to steer antimicrobial-producing bacteria towards using food by-products, thereby circumventing the need for expensive, food-grade feedstocks. This will aim to ensure that high-value drugs are still produced while making use of food by-products. Watch | Sounds from healthy reefs may boost coral regeneration: Study × Prof. Claudio Avignone Rossa from the University of Surrey pointed out the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches to drug development and production. Rossa stated, "Pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics can limit our ability to treat common infections and deliver other lifesaving treatments such as chemotherapy. Antimicrobial drugs are available; however, their development and production are costly, it is important that we think innovatively and use our knowledge of bacterial metabolism to overcome this problem.” (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists harness food by-products to fight antimicrobial resistance

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterised by the dysregulated immune response of the host to any bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infection in the body. It inadvertently results in disproportionate harm to host tissues and organs while combating an infection resulting in multi-organ failure, intractable shock and, if not promptly remedied during early stages, even demise.

As per the WHO report, in 2017, sepsis accounted for 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide, which amounts to almost 20 per cent of all global deaths. While regional disparities in sepsis incidence and mortality exist, approximately 85 per cent&nbsp;of sepsis cases and sepsis-related deaths worldwide occurred in low and middle-income countries. A prospective, observational, multicentre, 1-day, cross-sectional study in India by Hammond et al showed a 56.7 per cent prevalence of sepsis across 350 ICUs of the country.

<h2>Combating Sepsis</h2>

Early suspicion, effective diagnosis, and prompt and appropriate institution of antibiotics are the mainstay of thwarting infection-related complications and death.

<h2>Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)</h2>

AMR happens when organisms evolve and become resistant to the previously effective antimicrobials commonly called antibiotics. In such a case, the antibiotic ceases to be effective clinically.

Inappropriate and inadvertent use of such antimicrobial agents across industries has resulted in creating selection pressure on organisms leading to the alarming rise of resistance across various classes of organisms to multiple antibiotics so much so that AMR is now an urgent global public health threat, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide and associated with nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. Coupled with the burden of antimicrobial resistance, deaths due to drug-resistant infections can reach up to 10 million by 2050.&nbsp;

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<h2>Unraveling the Enigmatic Connection Between AMR and Sepsis</h2>

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Undermining the Guardians at the Forefront: Antibiotics embody the vanguard in the battle against infections that can culminate in sepsis. When microbes evolve into formidable foes, impervious to the arsenal of antibiotics, the efficacious treatment of these infections assumes an arduous nature. This can pave the way for the genesis of sepsis.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Treatment Hindered by Time: Sepsis frequently ensues from neglected or inadequately addressed infections. With the ascension of AMR, the treatment of infections metamorphoses into a race against the clock, as physicians grapple with the quest for potent antibiotics. Protracted delays in treatment can exacerbate the condition, amplifying the jeopardy of sepsis.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Escalated Mortality: Patients inflicted with sepsis arising from drug-resistant infections bear an elevated mortality risk. The paucity of treatment alternatives implies that, notwithstanding the provision of superlative medical care, certain instances of sepsis culminate in fatality.

<h2>The Urgent Need to Address AMR</h2>

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Global Health Threat: AMR is not just a problem for one country; it's a global health threat. In a world where people and microbes move freely, resistant infections can quickly spread across borders. This makes it crucial for all nations to work together to address AMR.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Reduced Effectiveness of Current Treatments: As AMR grows, our current arsenal of antibiotics becomes less effective. This means that even common infections that were once easily treatable can become life-threatening. To preserve our ability to treat infections, we must address AMR.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Innovative Approaches: Addressing AMR encourages the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. Researchers are exploring innovative ways to combat drug-resistant infections, which can benefit sepsis patients by providing more effective treatments.

<h2>How Can We Address AMR?</h2>

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prudent Antibiotic Use: Doctors, patients, and industries must use antibiotics responsibly. Addressing the right drug, in the right patient for the right reason in the right dose and duration is essential to mitigate resistance. Over-the-counter sales of antibiotics must be stopped.&nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Improved Diagnostics: Faster and more accurate diagnostic tests can help identify the specific cause of an infection and determine the tailored treatment strategy. This reduces the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

● Genomics-based&nbsp;diagnosis: Incorporating genomics-based solutions for routine use in infectious disease diagnostics can translate into a &nbsp;non-linear reduction of the test turnaround time with comprehensiveness for decision-makers to make clinically impactful decision making. It not only strengthens our ability to combat drug-resistant infections but also contributes to the global effort to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Vaccination: Vaccines prevent many infections that can lead to sepsis. Widespread vaccination programs can reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Sanitation and hygiene: Mass education for the importance of high hygiene standards, resource allocation for the supplies of the same and ensuring compliance for adherence must be undertaken to limit the burden of infections.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Research and Development: Governments, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions should invest in the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments for drug-resistant infections.

[Authored by Dr Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases), HaystackAnalytics]

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Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterised by the dysregulated immune response of the host to any bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infection in the body.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterised by the dysregulated immune response of the host to any bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infection in the body. It inadvertently results in disproportionate harm to host tissues and organs while combating an infection resulting in multi-organ failure, intractable shock and, if not promptly remedied during early stages, even demise. As per the WHO report, in 2017, sepsis accounted for 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide, which amounts to almost 20 per cent of all global deaths. While regional disparities in sepsis incidence and mortality exist, approximately 85 per cent of sepsis cases and sepsis-related deaths worldwide occurred in low and middle-income countries. A prospective, observational, multicentre, 1-day, cross-sectional study in India by Hammond et al showed a 56.7 per cent prevalence of sepsis across 350 ICUs of the country. Combating Sepsis Early suspicion, effective diagnosis, and prompt and appropriate institution of antibiotics are the mainstay of thwarting infection-related complications and death. Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) AMR happens when organisms evolve and become resistant to the previously effective antimicrobials commonly called antibiotics. In such a case, the antibiotic ceases to be effective clinically. Inappropriate and inadvertent use of such antimicrobial agents across industries has resulted in creating selection pressure on organisms leading to the alarming rise of resistance across various classes of organisms to multiple antibiotics so much so that AMR is now an urgent global public health threat, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide and associated with nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. Coupled with the burden of antimicrobial resistance, deaths due to drug-resistant infections can reach up to 10 million by 2050. Also read: How to manage PCOS while trying to get pregnant? Experts answer | PCOS Awareness Month 2023 Unraveling the Enigmatic Connection Between AMR and Sepsis ● Undermining the Guardians at the Forefront: Antibiotics embody the vanguard in the battle against infections that can culminate in sepsis. When microbes evolve into formidable foes, impervious to the arsenal of antibiotics, the efficacious treatment of these infections assumes an arduous nature. This can pave the way for the genesis of sepsis. ● Treatment Hindered by Time: Sepsis frequently ensues from neglected or inadequately addressed infections. With the ascension of AMR, the treatment of infections metamorphoses into a race against the clock, as physicians grapple with the quest for potent antibiotics. Protracted delays in treatment can exacerbate the condition, amplifying the jeopardy of sepsis. ● Escalated Mortality: Patients inflicted with sepsis arising from drug-resistant infections bear an elevated mortality risk. The paucity of treatment alternatives implies that, notwithstanding the provision of superlative medical care, certain instances of sepsis culminate in fatality. The Urgent Need to Address AMR ● Global Health Threat: AMR is not just a problem for one country; it's a global health threat. In a world where people and microbes move freely, resistant infections can quickly spread across borders. This makes it crucial for all nations to work together to address AMR. ● Reduced Effectiveness of Current Treatments: As AMR grows, our current arsenal of antibiotics becomes less effective. This means that even common infections that were once easily treatable can become life-threatening. To preserve our ability to treat infections, we must address AMR. ● Innovative Approaches: Addressing AMR encourages the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. Researchers are exploring innovative ways to combat drug-resistant infections, which can benefit sepsis patients by providing more effective treatments. How Can We Address AMR? ● Prudent Antibiotic Use: Doctors, patients, and industries must use antibiotics responsibly. Addressing the right drug, in the right patient for the right reason in the right dose and duration is essential to mitigate resistance. Over-the-counter sales of antibiotics must be stopped. ● Improved Diagnostics: Faster and more accurate diagnostic tests can help identify the specific cause of an infection and determine the tailored treatment strategy. This reduces the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. ● Genomics-based diagnosis: Incorporating genomics-based solutions for routine use in infectious disease diagnostics can translate into a non-linear reduction of the test turnaround time with comprehensiveness for decision-makers to make clinically impactful decision making. It not only strengthens our ability to combat drug-resistant infections but also contributes to the global effort to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. ● Vaccination: Vaccines prevent many infections that can lead to sepsis. Widespread vaccination programs can reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place. ● Sanitation and hygiene: Mass education for the importance of high hygiene standards, resource allocation for the supplies of the same and ensuring compliance for adherence must be undertaken to limit the burden of infections. ● Research and Development: Governments, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions should invest in the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments for drug-resistant infections. [Authored by Dr Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases), HaystackAnalytics] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How addressing Antimicrobial Resistance is the need of the hour to fight Sepsis

The global rise of superbugs poses a threat to humankind, reveals a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Pollution caused by animal farming and pharmaceutical companies has exacerbated the rise of superbugs which could kill tens of millions by mid-century.

The global rise of superbugs poses a threat to humankind, reveals a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Pollution caused by animal farming and pharmaceutical companies has exacerbated the rise of superbugs which could kill tens of millions by mid-century. The report, published on Tuesday, asserted that pollution and lack of sanitation, which often leads to the growth of superbugs in developing nations cannot be seen as a localised problem. The superbugs spread across quickly, not differentiating between rich, poor or developing, developed nations. Well-funded healthcare systems can be brought to their knees as they would not have the means to tackle the superbugs. What are superbugs? In layman's terms, superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that are resistant to most antibiotic medicines. The disinfectants, antiseptics and antibiotics that can help microbes become stronger are everywhere, from toothpaste and shampoo to cow's milk and wastewater. They become Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR), primarily through two means. One is the excessive use of medicines in animal farming which provides the bacterial strains with the opportunity to mutate and avoid the effects of any antibiotic. Secondly, pharma companies polluting the waterways. The drug companies do not treat the medical sewage adequately which creates resistant superbugs. Read more: Poo transplants to help patients struggling with superbugs Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon. However, the overuse of medicines, especially antibiotics has exacerbated the process. The cost the superbugs entail The report added that as many as 10 million people could be dying every year by 2050 due to AMR — making it as big a killer as cancer is today. Not only will the rise of superbugs exact a human life toll, but it will also adversely affect global economics. The report suggests that the direct economic consequence of AMR would be approximately $3.4 trillion a year by the end of 2030. Additionally, 24 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty. “Pollution of air, soil and waterways undermines the human right to a clean and healthy environment. The same drivers that cause environmental degradation are worsening the antimicrobial resistance problem. The impacts of anti-microbial resistance could destroy our health and food systems," read the report. Read more: New antibiotics could save millions from drug-resistant superbugs It is a silent pandemic and the increasingly bulletproof superbug could very well emerge as the biggest threat to mankind in the not-so-distant future. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Superbugs could be as big a killer as cancer is today by 2050: UN report

Health experts have warned that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to humanity after a report found that superbug infections killed 1.2 million people in 2019.

Health experts have warned that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to humanity after a report found that superbug infections killed 1.2 million people in 2019. It means infections caused by bacteria which is resistant to antibiotics are directly responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS or malaria. The report has been published in Lancet and it also found out that antimicrobial resistance played a role in up to 3.68 million other deaths. The headline of the Lancet report is: "The overlooked pandemic of antimicrobial resistance". Part of the study read, AMR "disproportionately" affects poor individuals who have little access to second-line, more expensive antibiotics that could work when first-line drugs fail. ALSO READ | Can eyes predict death? Scientists in Australia claim to hold potential evidence "These new data reveal the true scale of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, and are a clear signal that we must act now to combat the threat," said study co-author Chris Murray of the University of Washington. Previous studies and research had estimated that superbugs could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. However, as per the latest study, the milestone could be reached much sooner, said Chris Murray. He added, "We need to leverage this data to course-correct action and drive innovation if we want to stay ahead in the race against antimicrobial resistance." ALSO READ | One in ten COVID-19 patients could be infectious even after 10 days The estimates for 204 countries have been gathered from a wide range of sources including public health systems, pharmaceutical surveillance networks, previous studies and more. Meanwhile, for the places around the world from where data was lacking, methodological assumptions had to be made. Antimicrobial Resistance? In November 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report stating that Antimicrobial Resistance is emerging as a global concern, which is still developing. Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. Such shifts in nature make infections harder to treat and increase the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. Dame Sally Davies, who is UK's special envoy on antimicrobial resistance said as quoted by The Guardian that AMR was "one of the greatest challenges facing humanity”. She added: "Behind these new numbers are families and communities who are tragically bearing the brunt of the silent AMR pandemic. We must use this data as a warning signal to spur on action at every level." Antimicrobials are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. They include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. Tim Jinks, who is the head of the drug-resistant infections programme at Wellcome Trust, said as quoted by The Guardian: "The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global collaboration: political leaders, the healthcare community, the private sector and the public working together to tackle a global health threat." "Like Covid-19, we know what needs to be done to address AMR, but we must now come together with a sense of urgency and global solidarity if we are to be successful," Jinks added. (With inputs from agencies)

'The overlooked pandemic?': Antimicrobial resistance major threat to human health globally, study finds

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