Antimicrobial resistance already causes millions of deaths according to the most comprehensive study on the burden of AMR so far, published in The Lancet. It shows that almost 1,3 million deaths were directly attributable to bacterial AMR in 2019 and almost 5 million deaths associated with AMR. This is evidence that the fight against antimicrobial resistance is urgent, and it needs multiple contributions.

"This study shows that antimicrobial resistance is a major global health challenge, that is causing problems right now. It needs to be solved, but the fight against AMR is complex and it requires a combination of solutions: antibiotic stewardship, hygienic standards, and new innovations", says Dr Stefan Grass, Chief Medical Officer at Bactiguard after reading the newly published study.

There are multiple resistant bacteria behind the deaths and the most common infections were lower respiratory tract (pneumonia), bloodstream, and intra-abdominal, according to the study. "One avoided infection is one avoided antibiotic treatment and that is where Bactiguard's technology is proven efficient. It is not a magic silver bullet against AMR- but we are contributing with one part of the puzzle", says Dr Stefan Grass.

The results show that all regions of the world will be affected, especially Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Antimicrobial resistance is already causing major issues, and to avoid an escalation, all contributions in the fight against this silent pandemic are needed. Medical innovations can be one part of the solution and at Bactiguard we work to fight and prevent infections with our unique technology, to reduce the use of antibiotics. "During the pre-antibiotic period, people were dying of nowadays harmless infections- and we don't wish to go back to that", says Dr Stefan Grass.

Bactiguard's solutions against AMR

Bactiguard is a Swedish medical device company. We develop and supply infection prevention solutions that reduce the risk of infections and the use of antibiotics. The Bactiguard technology is based on a thin noble metal alloy coating that prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on medical devices. Bactiguard offers the technology through licence agreements and our BIP (Bactiguard Infection Protection) portfolio of products. Bactiguard's product portfolio also includes a non-alcoholic product line for wound care and disinfection. It effectively kills microbes while being biocompatible and tissue-friendly.

Our infection prevention solutions are both effective and safe. They prevent infection and hence reduce the need for antibiotics. A clinical study with 853 patients, showed a 60 % decrease in antibiotic use after introducing Bactiguard coated catheters due to fewer infections.

Read more about Bactiguard's infection prevention solutions >>>

References

Murray, C. J. et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, 6736(21). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0

Lederer JW et al., J WOCN 2014; 41(5):1-8

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Bactiguard Holding AB published this content on 21 January 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 21 January 2022 16:12:01 UTC.