description
- AMR is a global threat needing urgent coordinated actions via a transdisciplinary approach with pooling of resources and research efforts to expedite practical solutions for new - diagnostics, therapies and vaccines - the three lines of defence against AMR. In 2016, the O'Neill report 'analysed the global problem of rising drug resistance and proposed concrete actions'. However, almost a decade later, without 'fit-for-purpose' diagnostics, the report's recommendation of diagnostics-guided antimicrobial treatments by 2020 remains unrealistic even today. In addition, to have a meaningful impact in controlling AMR, One Health approach is crucial for all AMR interventions including diagnostics - as emergence and spread of AMR is interlinked between humans, animals, plants and the environment. Animals raised for food account for 73% of global antimicrobial use, and >75% of human pathogens detected (last 3 decades) have originated in animals, highlighting the context and the need for diagnostics for domesticated animals. Plant health depends heavily on fungicides for the control of fungal and oomycete diseases. However, resistance against multiple fungicide classes has led to control problems in key diseases in wheat, barley, potatoes, and fruits. There are concerns about the impact of agricultural fungicides on antifungal resistance in human pathogens, especially Aspergillus fumigatus. Thus, diagnostics are needed for timely detection to prevent spread. Environment Chemical pollutants, heavy metals, antimicrobials, co-selectors and pathogens and pesticides - all drive selection of AMR, thus needing prompt and precise detection and control. Clinical need for appropriate diagnostics is well-documented. AMR from Bacterial pathogens are associated with ~5 million AMR deaths annually and the threat from fungal pathogens and their resistances are high too. Hence, our Network's focus is One Health diagnostics. While the UK is well-placed to meet the scientific challenges of developing such technologies and become an international leader, a step-change in our approach is needed if we are to transition the country's scientific excellence into a coordinated drive to develop practical solutions that can be implemented and adopted across these sectors. Thus, through a transdisciplinary team, ARREST-AMR will support the successful development and smooth journey of technologies from research labs to adoption and use in 'real life' through 5 objectives: Identify 'needs': Across all the sectors (i) identify areas (such as diseases, pathogens, chemical co-selectors) where the diagnostics are needed the most (ii) what types of technologies are needed (iii) where should they be placed to provide the most useful information at the right time and at the right cost. To achieve this, the Network will conduct extensive stakeholder engagements across all sectors. Innovate: Experts such as scientists, engineers, clinicians, veterinarians, crop-protection professionals, experts in One Health and biologists who work in fundamental biology of AMR - will together develop research projects to contribute to better understanding of AMR, with the knowledge-generation focussed to develop new products that address the 'needs'; and help existing UK technologies improve their diagnostic performance/economic utility and reconcile the 'needs'. Evaluate: Supporting with standardised approaches for performance, economic and utility evidence generation for each sector will engender a culture of translational-focussed research. Implement: We will support translational aspects including Regulatory and behavioural aspects, identifying facilitators and barriers for adoption. Cross-pollinate: Will help exchange of best practices, needs, regulatory aspects and product applications within and outside - their sectors and the Network.