This study focuses on Humanimal Trust’s core aim of finding new ways to improve infection control and antibiotic resistance.
Dr Nazima Pathan of the University of Cambridge is studying a new type of infection control treatment that aims to reduce the need for strong antibiotics, by reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections in critically ill children. High exposure to antibiotics in intensive care is known to increase the risk of children carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can have serious consequences. She aims to build crucial knowledge about whether the new treatment affects the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections in these vulnerable children, which could lead to new ways to improve their recovery in the future.
The issue of antimicrobial resistance is a global problem currently challenging humans, companion and farm animals, and wildlife alike. It can only be solved through collaborative effort and a united One Medicine approach. Research like Dr Pathan’s project, which aims to develop new ways to prevent infection while managing the threat of antibiotic resistance, will help to tackle an important aspect of a widespread issue. It also has the potential to produce transferable data which could be directly applicable in a veterinary setting.
This project is due to complete in late 2021.
Part of this text has been adapted from the Action Medical Research project page. Find out more details.