A recent symposium (Saturday 9 November) held at the University of Sheffield brought together experts to discuss the global issue of antimicrobial resistance, often referred to as ‘superbugs’.
Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR) superbugs are unresponsive to life-saving antibiotics and pose a major threat to global human health, with the worst estimates predicting 10 million annual deaths by 2050. AMR superbugs are not a new phenomenon, with antibiotic resistance having been recognised since the 1940s. However, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of increasingly resistant pathogenic strains.
Organised by the University’s Florey Institute, the symposium focused on AMR superbugs, their impact in the UK and globally, and highlighted possible strategies to combat them.
The event was sponsored by BioMed Central on behalf of Microbiome. Attracting over 120 delegates, the symposium featured four insightful presentations providing a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial resistance, plus a lively Q&A session with attendees.
Dr Antony Scimone from the University of Bradford introduced the symposium topic, starting with a reading from “The drugs don’t work” by Professor Dame Sally Davies. He outlined the history of antibiotics, the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and possible counter-measures in an entertaining, accessible talk.
Dr Tom Darton, Clinical Researcher and Florey Institute member at the University of Sheffield, followed with an inspiring account of the role of vaccines in combating antimicrobial resistance. He illustrated a focus on global health by describing typhoid vaccine trials in Zimbabwe.
Laura Maclachlan, Primary Care Clinical Practitioner at a GP practice in Hull, gave a fascinating insight into the consequences of antibiotic resistance in clinical practice. Previously a Clinical Nurse specialising in infectious disease, Laura Maclachlan is now helping her GP practice face the challenges posed by superbugs.
Professor Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester, gave the final keynote talk. In a very inspiring presentation, Professor Clokie introduced the prospects of using bacteriophage (‘good’ viruses that specifically kill bacteria) to treat antibiotic resistant infections.
Researchers from the Florey Institute created posters displaying the innovative research being carried out by the centre, which attendees had the opportunity to view during lunch. Dr Scimone also ran a lunch-time activity illustrating the importance of handwashing in preventing infection.
It was a really fantastic and well attended event with a good range of talks, each highlighting the massive impact AMR will have and already is having on health and the importance of research in this area.
Dr Claire Turner
Co-Director at the Florey Institute