World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: Join the Resistance!
It’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week! Running from the 18th to the 24th of November 20220. This year’s theme, chosen by the World Health Organisation organisers, is ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together’. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is on the rise – and it’s a global threat to the health of all living things on the planet. AMR occurs when pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi mutate to become resistant to drug and antibiotic therapies. As a result, infections previously easily treated with a course of medication do not respond to treatment, with potentially fatal results. Over a million people each year die from antimicrobial-resistant bacteria alone. It’s an alarming prospect – and one of the top ten global health threats we’re currently facing.
Leading the resistance against antimicrobial resistance, SciAni has curated a selection of animated AMR research for you to join the campaign to stamp it out. Learn how we can fight antibiotic resistance in animals and how incredibly insect wings could help defeat antibiotic-resistant microbes. We also explore the importance of optimising antibiotic use in sepsis and two novel non-antibiotic alternatives for treating bovine mastitis and bacterial infections.
Vive la resistance (contre de AMR)!
How can we win the fight against antibiotic resistance? We need you!
Learn about some of the causes of antibiotic resistance, the effect it will have on people’s health worldwide, and how people can use antibiotic medicines better.
How can we fight antibiotic resistance in animals?
Antibiotic resistance or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global pandemic affecting humans and animals. A ‘One Health’ approach, which addresses humans, animals, and the environment, is needed to tackle AMR so that we can keep antibiotics working when we really need them. Arwain DGC is a Welsh Government-funded project designed to tackle AMR in animals and the environment.
Insect wings protect against antibiotic-resistant microbes – here’s how!
Scientists at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, have recently discovered the mechanism behind the anti-microbial properties of insect wings. Tiny nanopillars on the surface of the wing mechanically impale and destroy bacterial cells. The close proximity of the nanopillars also creates an air pocket, which prevents fungal cells from invading the wing surface. Replicating this nanostructure could instil surfaces with chemical-free anti-microbial properties resilient towards pathogen adaptation.
Optimising antibiotic use in sepsis: PRONTO Trial
Sepsis progresses quickly, so early recognition and treatment are key. But lots of other conditions can look like sepsis and this can result in people being treated unnecessarily with risk of side effects for them and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. The PRONTO trial is testing a specific biomarker of bacterial infection, Procalcitonin, to help us recognise sepsis faster, guide the most effective response, and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.
PanaMast®: Novel anti-microbial, non-antibiotic treatment for bovine mastitis
One cutting-edge, research-focused biopharmaceutical company is attempting to tackle anti-microbial resistance.
How does SASPject kill bacteria and why is SASP resistant to resistance
Anyone can be affected by antibiotic resistance – ourselves, or through our families or people we know. The Phico team have developed this novel SASPject technology to save lives.