AMR infections

New bacteria-eating viruses can curb AMR infections


Did you know? It can take up to 10 years and tonnes of funds for a company to introduce a new antibiotic to the market. [1]However, pathogens are constantly evolving and developing resistance to these new drugs within a couple of years, or even just a few months. As a result, most existing antibiotics are proving ineffective against antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens, making it difficult to treat these infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to a condition where the organism displays resistance against antibiotics it was previously susceptible to.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared AMR as one of the main health threats facing humankind. AMR infections worldwide are known to be responsible for more than 4.9 million deaths every year, making it the third-leading cause of mortality after heart disease and stroke.[2][3]

What does Phage Therapy entail?

Scientists have come up with a remarkable solution- viruses that kill bacteria without harming human cells, known as phage. The good news is AMR infections can be combatted using phage therapy. This process involves the use of active phages to kill target bacteria that cause infections in humans. [4]

Phages are already being utilised in the healthcare sector for treating AMR infections, such as those on implant-associated biofilms and in compassionate-care cases[5]

Phage therapy has been successfully implemented for treating infections associated with cystic fibrosis, pneumonia (including post-covid infections), infections affecting bones, joints, urinary tract and implants, surgical and chronically infected wounds.

An example of a bacteriophage effective against severe antibiotics has been found in the Ganga water in India.[6]Multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa is considered as one of the most important pathogens that causes infection having a high mortality rate[7]

AIIMS researchers discovered that the phage found in the Ganga River showed potential to kill drug-resistant infections by multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa known to predominantly infect immunocompromised patients.[6]Bacteriophages can destroy biofilm produced by P. aeruginosa through destruction of the extracellular matrix, thereby increasing the permeability of antibiotics into the inner biofilm layer and preventing its formation by means of inhibiting the quorum-sensing activity.[8]

Combatting AMR the Bioguard Way

A key strategy that hospitals need to implement to control AMR pathogens is a robust infection control strategy with high levels of hygiene compliance.[9][10]Latest generation disinfectants that work against antimicrobial resistant strains can become the first line of defence. In doing so, hospitals may end up using strong disinfectants that kill germs but also increase health problems.

Some powerful disinfectants may be hazardous, causing skin irritation, respiratory problems, and asthma symptoms. Commercially available chemical disinfectants can also damage medical equipment. Disinfectants containing sodium hydrochlorite are considered corrosive, increasing the risk to corrode surfaces if used repeatedly. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a disinfectant often used in hospitals has its set of disadvantages in addition to causing irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. The chemical takes 1-10 mins to kill germs and has not been tested as effective against ESKAPE, spores, fungi and yeasts. It is important to choose disinfectants that can kill germs without harming the environment and public health.

Bioguard has a one-stop solution to this concern. Unlike H2O2, Bioguard disinfectants have been tested under dirty conditions to reflect real life application. They remove organic matter and can be safely used for fabrics. Moreover, in contrast to H2O2, our products are not compatible with just specific surfaces, but can decontaminate the entire environment.

Bioguard is on a mission to reduce AMR infections through efficient and cost-effective disinfection. We formulate alcohol-free disinfectants that are robust for destroying AMR bacteria, while being gentle on the skin and environment. Our products are powered by Biochem, the unique patented compound developed by us that delivers high performance cleaning & disinfection. Bioguard disinfectants have proven efficacy against AMR pathogens, including MRSA & ESKAPE pathogens. Our products also kill P. aeruginosa in under 30 seconds, tested as per the gold standard EN13727. They remain potent even at high dilution, offering the perfect solution in your battle against AMR.

Why Choose Bioguard disinfectants to control AMR

  • Trusted – Regularly used by healthcare professionals in over 25,000 sites across the UK, Europe and GCC in high-risk environments. Bioguard products are now protecting India.
  • Proven – Independently tested to the gold standard European Norms [EN], EN13624:2013, EN13727:2012, EN14476:2013, EN17216:2018 & EN13704:2018, EN14348:2005, EN16615:2015 and EN1500.
  • Robust – Broad Spectrum Microbiological Efficacy means our products are effective against a wide variety of organisms such as ESKAPE pathogens, Clostridium difficile spores, Mycobacterium, viruses, bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and fungi.
  • Fast-Acting – It is effective in under 30 seconds*.
  • Safe – Products are non-hazardous and non-toxic and have been MEA & VOC tested to ensure they are safe and do not cause skin rashes or harmful vapours to users, improving the likelihood of hygiene compliance and reducing the risk AMR.
  • Multi-Surface – Applicable on virtually all surfaces (including fabrics and furnishings), so you can decontaminate the whole environment without causing degradation to surfaces, improving hygiene compliance and reducing the risk of AMR.
  • Reliable – The product will remain effective in environments with high soiling levels, improving hygiene compliance and reducing the risk of AMR.
  • Efficient – Combined cleaning and disinfection capability eliminates the need for multiple products, we can rationalise your product requirements, thereby saving inventory and reducing cleaning complexity levels, improving hygiene compliance and reducing the risk of AMR.
  • Alcohol-Free* – Ensuring our product does not cause skin irritation is gentle when in contact with skin and meets certain users’ religious demands.
  • pH Neutral – Neutral pH not only helps protect the skin, but also the surfaces where it is being used.
  • Eco-Friendly – After it does its job, it breaks down into harmless salt ions and water.
Share: