Groundbreaking Research into Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

The fight against antibiotic-resistant infections has received a significant boost with the publication of the world’s first ‘superbug map’ for Acinetobacter baumannii, one of the most dangerous hospital-acquired pathogens. Published in Cell, this research by an international team led by Balint Kintses and  the HUN-REN Biological Research Centre in Szeged, Hungary, offers new hope for developing lifesaving bacteriophage (‘phage’) therapies to tackle these resistant infections.

The research, which analysed the genomes of over 15,000 A. baumannii cases, traces the global spread and dominance of this superbug species. By mapping the bacteria’s prevalence across regions, the study has enabled the creation of a framework for scalable phage therapy, allowing for ‘off-the-shelf’ region-specific treatments that could target up to 80% of local infections.

What Does This Mean for NHS/UKHSA Microbiology/Virology Laboratories?

1. Application of Phage Therapy: The research highlights that despite the genetic diversity of A. baumannii, certain strains dominate within regions. This stability over a six-year period allows for the pre-emptive preparation of phage cocktails to target local strains. NHS laboratories can leverage this data to facilitate the development and deployment of phage therapies tailored to the most prevalent bacterial strains in the UK. Importantly, the map enables faster intervention for acute infections, where rapid treatment is vital to patient survival.

2. Integration of Genomic Surveillance: As genomic surveillance informs the development of phage treatments, scientists in NHS and UKHSA microbiology laboratories should prepare to incorporate genomic sequencing and analysis into routine diagnostics. Identifying the strain types responsible for infections in their region can streamline clinical decision-making, enabling faster and more effective treatments.

3. Practical Implementation of Phage Therapy: Staff in NHS and UKHSA laboratories could play a crucial role in scaling up clinical trials for phage therapy. The targeted use of 'off-the-shelf' phage collections, developed based on region-specific bacterial profiles, could become an essential part of antimicrobial stewardship in the UK.

4. Collaborative Global Efforts: The international collaboration spearheaded by this research demonstrates the benefits of global data sharing. UK laboratories will have access to comprehensive datasets and insights that enhance the ability to predict and pre-emptively tackle infections. These collaborative efforts could standardise and expand the use of phage therapies, positioning NHS laboratories at the forefront of this innovative approach.

Key Actions for IBMS Members:

• Stay updated on the latest developments in phage therapy and genomic surveillance.
• Engage with training opportunities on the use of sequencing technologies and phage therapy implementation in clinical microbiology.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to integrate phage-based therapies into local antimicrobial resistance strategies.

This discovery underlines the importance of equipping clinical microbiology laboratories with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. The IBMS will continue to support its members in navigating these advancements and ensuring the highest standards of microbiological practice.