Nottingham MP visits cystic fibrosis researcher for Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

The visit took place during World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (18-24 November), which aims to improve awareness and understanding of AMR - a major threat to global health across the world which contributes to over 35,000 deaths a year in the UK. 

Lilian Greenwood, MP, came to see Dr Griffiths’ work to rapidly diagnose CF lung infections. For people with CF, AMR is a significant threat. They are at a high risk of developing lung infections, because of the thick sticky mucus in their lungs. These infections can cause breathlessness and difficulty breathing. They can also cause major disruptions to day-to-day life and may lead to permanent lung damage. 

CF lung infections need to be detected and diagnosed as quickly and accurately as possible, to have the best chance of effective treatment and minimise antimicrobial resistance. Bugs that cause CF lung infections change over time and can become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, meaning that medicines such as antibiotics don’t work as well or no longer work at all.

The Minister had a lab tour from Dr Griffiths and heard from Cystic Fibrosis Trust about the impact lung damage has on people with CF, and the need for more research to detect and treat infections.

Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to everyone, but is a particular threat to people with cystic fibrosis. It’s been fascinating to visit the university of Nottingham today, during AMR awareness week, and find out more about the incredible research going on to detect lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.”

Dr Rian Griffiths received a Venture and Innovation Award (VIA) from Cystic Fibrosis Trust and University of Nottingham to support their research goal of improving the diagnosis and treatment of CF lung infections.