PLymouth ANtimicrobial EngagemenT (PLANET) Initiative
Highlighting the issue of antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance

Mathew Upton from the University of Plymouth thinks that the solution may lie deep under the surface of the ocean, in dark, cold environments where weird and wonderful sponges live. Mathew is a Professor in Medical Microbiology at the University of Plymouth and the lead for the Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Research Group.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organised by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Why it is relevant to you: without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, even chemotherapy and animal health all rely on access to antibiotics that work.
Antibiotic resistant infections are one of the leading threats to human health and modern medicine. The WHO and international governments have stated that urgent measures are needed to avert the crisis we face.
In our group, we have a programme of drug discovery to help meet the need for new antibiotics. Our lead antimicrobial, epidermicin, has unique activity in a relevant infection model and is in pre-clinical testing.
These antibiotics are of a new class (bacteriocins), have novel mechanisms of action and have excellent potential for development into the next generation of powerful antibiotics to treat and prevent drug resistant infections.
The University’s public engagement work to raise awareness of the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was recently shortlisted in the 2018 Antibiotic Guardian Awards, on behalf of Public Health England, in the Public Engagement category.
The AMR team, comprising academic and professional services staff, post-doctoral researchers, PhD candidates and undergraduate project students, has held a range of events over the past year – and continues to do so – to highlight the issues surrounding antibiotic resistance and the need to preserve their efficacy for future generations.
Read the full news release for further information
The story of this casual, real-time puzzle game comes straight from today's headlines: the rise of superbugs, resistant bacteria which can't be killed by the drugs we rely on to fight infection.
"The new Superbugs game looks great – and as well as being fun, it will help you find out about the huge problem of drug-resistant bacteria – a threat to all our health." Professor Alice Roberts.
The issues of the unsustainable use of antibiotics has rumbled along in the background for many years with academic report after academic report highlighting that overuse and misuse is causing ‘super-bug’ bacteria to develop which is treatment resistant.
Read Dr Victoria Hurth's blog on balancing the short and long term, international cooperation and intergenerational justice when it comes to sustainability and the use of antibiotics.
Key messages on antimicrobial use are available on the UK government website. There is guidance on how to use antibiotics responsibly for patients, animal keepers and pet owners, and prescribers.
Antibiotic Guardian supports the UK Antimicrobial Resistance strategy, European Antibiotic Awareness Day (18 November) and World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Pledge now to become an Antibiotic Guardian!
Test and improve your knowledge with these quizzes and crossword puzzles on antibiotic resistance.