https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/features/paccarb-antimic...

https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/features/paccarb-antimicrobial-resistance-recommendations-to-reduce-global-burden/

Members of the 25th Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) held a public meeting from May 21 to 22, 2024 to vote on recommendations to reduce the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).The PACCARB members also highlighted several barriers to address in reducing the burden of AMR, including workforce shortages in the infectious disease (ID) space, the disproportionate impact of AMR on marginalized populations, and the need for innovative solutions to avoid inappropriate antibiotic use.

On May 21, 2024,¹ the PACCARB unanimously voted on recommendations for advancing US leadership in global efforts against AMR. The recommendations were shared with the Secretary of the DHHS, and the full report is available on the PACCARB website.³ The key recommendations are as follows:^2,6

• Improve infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship, particularly in post-acute and ambulatory care settings
• Reduce variability in antibiotic prescribing
• Develop AMR interventions for vulnerable populations, including neonates, immunocompromised patients, and those who require postacute care
• Provide equitable access to antimicrobials, vaccinations, and diagnostics based on regional needs
• Educate and raise awareness among the public and policy makers on the One Health framework and the global and domestic burden of AMR
• Offer guidance on AMR stewardship programs to lower- and middle-income countries
• Optimize community outreach and education on infection control measures such as proper food handling, safe sex practices, proper wound care, containment of coughs and sneezes, hand hygiene, and animal safety practices
• Implement better water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices
• Fund new and innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutics

Addressing AMR With Innovative Diagnostics and Technology

Innovations in diagnostics and cloud-based technology may help reduce the global AMR burden and improve antibiotic stewardship.

FebriDx, a rapid point-of-care test for acute respiratory infections, has been approved by the FDA for use in urgent care centers and emergency departments.⁷

Annie Bell MSN, APN, senior director of Medical Affairs at Lumos Diagnostics, explained that “the test works by using 2 host response biomarkers. The first one is C-reactive protein and the other is a mix of virus resistance protein A or MXA.” According to Bell, “It’s a very simple test to use. It can be used right at the patient visit, by clinicians, to make decisions about whether or not a patient has a bacterial infection and would benefit from an antibiotic, or more likely, does not have a bacterial infection and may not benefit.”

FebriDx boasts an accuracy of 99% in ruling out the presence of a bacterial infection.