PLymouth ANtimicrobial EngagemenT (PLANET) Initiative

Highlighting the issue of antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance
Biofilm of antibiotic resistant bacteria, close up view. Rod-shaped and spherical bacteria. Shutterstock image

PLymouth ANtimicrobial EngagemenT (PLANET) Initiative

Highlighting the issue of antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance

"If new, powerful antibiotic drugs are not discovered, we ‘may’ return to the pre-antibiotic era."

Professor 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 about TEDx

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today.

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 Pathogens Research Group

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.
Antibiotic resistant pathogens with ITSMED visual mark

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

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!