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New Data Suggests Molecular Diagnostic Technology May Help Doctors Limit Antibiotic Drug Resistance

Abbott
3 Oct 2013
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned about the growing prevalence of, and public health danger posed by, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, also known as super bugs. U.S. health officials estimate that every year drug resistant organisms infect 2 million people and kill 23,000.

Health care providers need diagnostic products to help them quickly identify MDR bacteria so that they may expedite targeted anti-infective therapy, potentially improving clinical outcomes, and reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics, the leading cause of drug resistance.

MDR is a hot topic at the Infectious Disease Week Scientific Conference (Oct. 2-6, San Francisco) and new data suggests that a test in development by Ibis Biosciences, a division of Abbott, may provide rapid, highly accurate detection and identification of bacterial infections.


According to data from two presentations at the meeting, Abbott’s PCR/ESI-MS technology may be able to accurately detect hard-to-culture bacteria and identify a diverse array of gram-negative bacterial antibiotic resistance genes. The technology may help guide physicians in the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics. Additionally, the technology combines the high levels of sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology with the precision and accuracy of mass spectrometry. This combination is designed to allow for identification and characterization of very broad groups of pathogens without having to narrowly focus on detecting each microbe individually. The result is the ability to cover many more organisms at once.

Abbott is currently developing a test that detects and identifies nearly 800 species of bacteria and candida directly from human blood and identifies genetic markers that predict bacterial drug resistance. Rapid diagnosis of these infections can be crucial for successful patient outcomes.

Using Molecular Diagnostics to Decipher the Genetic Basis of Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacteria:
https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2013/webprogram/Paper42292.html

Detection of Anaerobic Bacteria Directly from Clinical Specimens with PCR followed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) vs. Anaerobic Culture: https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2013/webprogram/Paper39238.html

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MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MRSAAntibiotic ResistanceAntibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health driving innovation and change through antibiotic stewardship efforts. Ongoing research and diagnostic efforts focus on new treatments and detection methods. Explore antibiotic resistance research and diagnostic tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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New Data Suggests Molecular Diagnostic Technology May Help Doctors Limit Antibiotic Drug Resistance