OH-AMR-Diag: Novel technological solutions for rapid detection and screening of Antimicrobial resistance

Research Council of Norway, project code: 336420

01.02.2024–31.01.2028

HINN

Project goal

The primary goal of OH-AMR-Diag is to develop a proof of concept decision-making diagnostic system for rapid, accurate, sensitive, and on-site (< 1 hour for a rapid response and <5 hours for a detailed analysis) detection of bacterial infection, pathogen ID, characterization of its resistance profile and prediction of antibiotic susceptibility from a One-Health perspective.

About the project

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Health Problem

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical issue worldwide, threatening human and animal health. Incorrect use of antibiotics causes 1.3 - 5 million deaths annually worldwide and leads to more resistance to antibiotics. If uncontrolled, AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths and increase annual healthcare costs by more than $1 trillion by 2050.

Today, it takes several days to grow a bacterial culture to diagnose the infection, which is necessary to prescribe the correct antibiotic. If a patient is seriously ill, there is no time to wait, and treatment must be started immediately, often with an incorrect antibiotic. AMR is still a limited problem in Norway. However, vigilance and increased awareness are needed to avoid the deterioration of this relatively favorable situation to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for treating life-threatening infections.

Project Outcomes and Impact

OH-AMR-Diag aims to reduce the time of detection of bacterial infection and AMR from 2 - 4 days to 1 - 5 hours. This is a giant leap to handle and prevent the development of AMR, which can potentially save millions of human and animal lives in the long run.

The OH-AMR-Diag project will develop knowledge about measures that will contribute to understanding, managing, and preventing the development of AMR across public health, animal health, and the environment. Specifically, this project will develop rapid diagnostics for use in humans and animals, contributing to the reduced and precise use of antibiotics.

Illustration of the project — **Infection and AMR Diagnostics: Current paradigm and the OH-AMR-Diag solution**
Photo: Illustration: Rafi Ahmad

OH-AMR-Diag achievements will target several UN sustainable development goals:

Goal 2 – Zero hunger
Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
Goal 4 - Quality Education
Goal 9 - Industry Innovation & Infrastructure
Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption & Production
Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

The OH-AMR-Diag project will address current societal and industry-related challenges through collaboration with businesses, research institutions, hospitals, citizen groups, and not-for-profit organizations in Norway, and internationally, promoting global public health.