Antimicrobial resistance: fast, affordable point-of-care tests to guide antibiotic use

Background

Clinicians in primary care prescribe antibiotics without knowing whether an infection is bacterial or viral, or which drug will work, because laboratory culture takes days and is unavailable in many settings. The WHO lists antimicrobial resistance among the top global public-health threats.

Who is affected

Patients in primary care, rural clinics, livestock keepers

Existing approaches

Laboratory culture and sensitivity (slow, centralised); rapid antigen tests for a few pathogens; PCR (costly, needs infrastructure); clinical scoring rules.

Their limitations

Speed, cost, cold-chain and training requirements; narrow pathogen coverage; no susceptibility information at the point of care.

Desired outcome

A test usable in a primary-care setting that distinguishes bacterial from viral infection and indicates likely susceptibility within the consultation.

Success criteria

Time to result under 30 minutes; cost compatible with public health programmes; no cold chain; validated against culture.

Evidence and references

• WHO fact sheet: Antimicrobial resistance — Scale of the problem and drivers

Participation

Eligibility

Open to all members

Timeline

Open-ended

Support or rewards

Recognition and contribution points; other rewards as stated per challenge

Confidentiality

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