Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week: Combatting AMR with Rapid UTI Diagnostics

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses one of the most critical health challenges of our time. Indeed, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats (1). Furthermore, in the UK, AMR is recognised on the National Risk Register (2), reflecting the severity of the issue at both national and international levels. With AMR-related deaths reaching 4.95 million globally in 2019 (1), including 1.27 million directly attributed to resistant infections (1), urgent and coordinated action is required to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials.

As part of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18–24 November), we are focusing on the critical role of rapid diagnostics in combating AMR. Specifically, we are introducing the Randox Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test as a valuable tool in this global effort. By enabling faster and more accurate detection of infections, this innovative diagnostic technology supports the targeted use of antibiotics, thereby helping to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and mitigate the spread of resistance.

Understanding AMR: The Need for Effective Screening and Targeted Treatment

AMR develops when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial medicines. While this resistance occurs naturally, it is significantly accelerated by factors such as the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, and the slow pace of new antimicrobial drug development. Consequently, the implications of AMR extend far beyond infection treatment: surgeries, cancer therapies, and routine medical procedures also rely heavily on effective antimicrobials to prevent infections. Therefore, this underscores the pressing need to manage resistance effectively and proactively.

For instance, routine treatments for UTIs heavily depend on antibiotics. UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections, particularly affecting women, with over 50% experiencing a UTI at least once in their lives (3). However, with resistance levels increasing, it becomes crucial to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Additionally, when antibiotics are prescribed, they must be carefully targeted to maximise efficacy and minimise resistance development. In this context, rapid diagnostics play a pivotal role by enabling precise and timely identification of infections, which ensures that treatments are both effective and appropriate.

Introducing the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test

The Randox Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test offers a cutting-edge solution for the efficient screening and diagnosis of UTIs. Unlike traditional culture methods—which, according to a recent study, take an average of 2.75 days to yield results (4)—the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test is a cartridge-based PCR test specifically designed for in-clinic use, delivering results in just 2.5 hours. This rapid turnaround is transformative in the management of UTIs, where timely diagnosis is crucial to preventing the progression of infections. Moreover, it helps to minimise unnecessary antibiotic use by ensuring treatment is both prompt and precisely targeted, ultimately supporting the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Key Features of the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test:

• Comprehensive Detection: The Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test identifies 16 uropathogens, encompassing both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species, in just 150 minutes—significantly faster than traditional culture methods.
• AMR Gene Identification: This advanced test also detects 7 antimicrobial resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to methicillin (mecA) and vancomycin (vanA and vanB), as well as genes associated with trimethoprim resistance (dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA12, dfrA17). This capability supports targeted treatment decisions and helps in combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Wide Application: Designed for versatility, the test is suitable for various healthcare settings, from GP practices to hospitals. It facilitates UTI diagnosis across diverse use cases, including catheter-associated UTIs and pre-surgical screenings for patients with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or renal stones.

Additionally, a recent study demonstrated that the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test achieved diagnostic accuracy exceeding 90% for 16 bacterial species, providing a reliable and efficient solution for rapid pathogen identification in UTI cases (4).

The Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Combating AMR

Rapid diagnostic tests, such as the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test, play a critical role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving patient care through the following:

• Reducing Misuse of Antibiotics: By rapidly identifying the specific bacteria responsible for the infection and detecting resistance genes, clinicians can prescribe antibiotics only when necessary. This targeted approach ensures that the most effective treatment is selected, helping to combat antibiotic misuse.
• Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship: Point-of-care testing directly supports the goals outlined in the UK’s AMR 5-Year National Action Plan, which aims to reduce antibiotic consumption by 5% and ensure that 70% of antibiotics are sourced from safer, first-line options (5). Rapid tests enable optimised antibiotic usage, contributing to these national targets and the broader fight against AMR.
• Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Faster and more accurate diagnostics at the point of care enable timely and targeted treatment, reducing the risk of complications such as severe UTI-related kidney infections. Furthermore, a study on the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test demonstrated that pathogen detection rates were slightly higher when tests were conducted immediately on-site, underscoring the importance of rapid diagnostics in delivering better patient outcomes (4).

AMR and the Future of Healthcare

The rise in AMR jeopardises the future of modern medicine. An estimated 10 million lives could be lost per year by 2050 (6), according to a review commissioned by the UK Prime Minister. Without effective diagnostics and treatments, procedures such as hip replacements, caesarean sections, and cancer therapies could become significantly more dangerous. This is due to the heightened risk of untreatable infections (1). Addressing this escalating threat requires innovation, education, and unwavering commitment.

AMR also imposes immense economic consequences. The World Bank projects that by 2050, AMR could add an extra US$1 trillion to global healthcare costs. It may also cause annual GDP losses ranging from US$1 trillion to US$3.4 trillion as early as 2030 (7). These economic burdens highlight the urgent need for global action.

Addressing AMR is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations (UN). Progress in areas such as access to clean water, sustainable food production, and responsible antimicrobial use is vital in mitigating AMR. However, rising levels of AMR exacerbate challenges related to health, poverty reduction, food security, and economic growth (8). Coordinated efforts across multiple sectors are essential to tackle this complex issue effectively.

Randox is proud to lead the charge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), equipping healthcare professionals with innovative tools such as the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test. By enabling timely and accurate diagnoses, we contribute to preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials and safeguarding their availability for future generations.

This Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, join us in highlighting the critical importance of AMR management and the transformative role of rapid diagnostics in creating a safer, healthier future for all.

Learn more about the urgency of AMR on the WHO website: Antimicrobial resistance.

For further details about the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test, visit Vivalytic | UTI Rapid Test | Randox Laboratories or reach out to us at marketing@randox.com.

References

1. World Health Organization (2023). Antimicrobial resistance. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance.
2. HM Government (2023). National Risk Register 2023 Edition. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64ca1dfe19f5622669f3c1b1/2023_NATIONAL_RISK_REGISTER_NRR.pdf.
3. Bono MJ, Reygaert WC. Urinary Tract Infection. Nih.gov. Published 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470195/
4. Hartmann, J., Fritzenwanker, M., Imirzalioglu, C., Hain, T., Arneth, B.M., and Wagenlehner, F.M.E., 2024. Point-of-care Testing in Complicated Urinary Tract Infection: Evaluation of the Vivalytic One Urinary Tract Infection Analyser for Detecting Uropathogenic Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Urine Samples of Urological Patients in a Point-of-care Setting. European Urology Focus. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2024.09.018
5. Department of Health and Social Care (2024). UK 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-antimicrobial-resistance-2024-to-2029.
6. O’Neill, J. (2016). Tackling Drug-resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations. Archives of Pharmacy Practice, 7(3), p.110. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-080x.186181.
7. World Bank (2017). Drug-Resistant Infections: A Threat to Our Economic Future. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/drug-resistant-infections-a-threat-to-our-economic-future.
8. World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Antimicrobial resistance and the United Nations sustainable development cooperation framework: guidance for United Nations country teams. [online] www.who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240036024.