Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics, along with social and economic factors, drive the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria against which antimicrobial treatments can become increasingly ineffective. Combating AMR will require innovation and novel solutions across research disciplines. Researchers at ID Labs are focused on some of the most important pathogens in AMR, including the high-priority “ESKAPE” bacteria recently designated by the WHO (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.).

Our scientists are involved in multiple areas of AMR research. Mechanistic studies explore the genetic foundations of AMR, informing antibiotic development and drug discovery strategies. Meanwhile, therapeutic research focuses on the development of novel antibiotics to which AMR has not yet evolved, providing new options for treating dangerous multidrug-resistant bacteria. Corresponding advances in surveillance and rapid point-of-care diagnostic technologies will also expand our ability to rapidly detect and react to AMR outbreaks.