India-UK Research: Easy Test to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

A new India-UK research project is testing an easy-to-use urinary tract infection (UTI) test to help determine the appropriate course of action and tackle the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to the British Medical Research Charity. LifeArc said the project is called Diagnostics for One Health and User Driven Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (DOSA) and will bring together five leading academic institutions to create innovative and rapid diagnostic technologies to reduce AMR. DOSA2 is reportedly coordinated by the University of Edinburgh and includes partners from the University of the Arts London, Silchar Medical College, Assam University and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

Through our work, we hope to help slow the development of drug-resistant infections and improve the ability to diagnose and treat them, said Dr. Mike Strange, director of global health at LifeArc.

The new project is a continuation of the successful DOSA1 project, which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council, the Newton Foundation and the Government of India and biotechnology department that developed a low score. Cost effective, easy to use diagnostic strip. If present in a urine sample, it will tell you within minutes if an infection is present, which can inform the best course of action.

DOSA2 field research seeks to address the global problem of AMR at the community level by working with health workers in primary health centers, volunteers and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) working in the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.