World's top scientists join UK Health Secretary in fighting MRSA

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 15 Dec 2004 - 15:00 PDT


UK Health Secretary John Reid will address a meeting of top scientists from home and abroad today in the latest move in the fight against MRSA.

The scientists have gathered to examine how various research and development initiatives might be translated into clinical practice. The recommendations of the Science Summit will influence allocation of the £3 million research funding for Healthcare Associated infection announced earlier this year.

John Reid will also announce the results of the second round of products reviewed by the Health Protection Agency's rapid review panel. The rapid review panel looks at new equipment, materials and products that can help NHS staff improve hospital infection control.

John Reid said:

"I've said before that I will leave no stone unturned in the battle against the superbug. In the past, people ignored this problem but now we must examine every idea and every initiative in order to protect patients from infection.

"If we are to effectively combat MRSA, it's not only a question of cleanliness - science can also help in the battle against this ever-mutating superbug. Scientific research is vitally important in this area but it needs to be harnessed into practical applications to benefit patients through controlling and preventing infection. This is the challenge for these top scientists over these two days."

The two day science summit at the Royal College of Pathology in London will see scientists and medical professionals travel from all over the UK, and as far away as Canada and the Netherlands, to discuss new approaches to diagnosis, the genetic make-up of MRSA and the science behind transmission.

John Reid also announced the results of the second round of products reviewed by the rapid review panel. The rapid review panel looks at new equipment, materials and products that may help NHS staff improve hospital infection control.

Basic research and development and in use evaluations have shown that the following product has benefits that should be available to the NHS bodies. Introduction into guidance should now be considered by other agencies appropriate to the particular product

Dermamed - Skin Protectant - is a barrier cream designed to facilitate frequent use of gloves and disinfectant hand rubs without allergy or skin damage.

The following products have completed basic research and development and the products may have potential value. In-use evaluations/trials are now needed in an NHS clinical setting

Isis - Envoshield - a liquid surface decontaminating agent

Compliance Control Inc - handwashing system (attached to a sink) - monitors whether people are washing their hands and beeps to remind them

Infectio Diagnostica Ltd - direct detection of MRSA using nasal swabs - potential tool for hospital MRSA screening, particularly upon admission.

Its all about clean air - Electromedia model 35F - a filtration system reducing airborne density of microbes including Staphylococcus aureus.

Notes to editor

1. MRSA is a strain of bacteria that can affect people in hospital and community settings such as care homes. It is a strain of staphylococcus aureus, a kind of bacteria, commonly found on the skin that can cause infections. Staphylococcus aureus lives completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about one third of people. MRSA has become resistant to the powerful antibiotic drug methicillin, hence it's name

2. The Science Summit event was outlined in the Towards cleaner hopsitals and Lower rates of infection document published in July. To view a simple guide on the science behind MRSA and see all the steps the government has taken to improve cleanliness and lower rates of infection visit the link provided:

3. For any products to be considered or information about the rapid review panel please email: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/rapid_review/default.htm

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