19.11.13
UK to research C. difficile vaccinations in antibiotic drive
The European Commission has announced 15 new research projects to boost antimicrobial resistance, to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day.
Held on Monday, the day aims to increase awareness around the use of antibiotics and improve management of their use, both by patients and medical staff.
Professor John Watson, deputy chief medical officer, said in a speech to mark the day: “Antibiotics are not always the answer”.
The EU-funded research projects include those coordinated at the University of Oxford, Manchester University and Royal Hollaway and Bedford New College, where researchers will work on an oral vaccination against c. difficile.
Antimicrobial resistance is estimated to cause some 25,000 deaths annually and costs over £1.28bn in healthcare expenses and productivity losses in Europe.
Prof Watson added: “We could all be facing a future where it is no longer possible to have an organ transplant or help our bodies through cancer treatment as the risk of fatal infection is too great. Everyone has a role to play in preserving the antibiotics that we have now, both for ourselves and to protect future generations.”
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