Introduction

• Prize Announcement: The Longitude Prize was announced, poised to revolutionize infection management and global antimicrobial resistance efforts.
• Longitude Prize: £8 million prize for advancements in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), first announced in 2014.

The Winning Device: PA-100 AST System from Sysmex Astrego

• Technology: A rapid, point-of-care test for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Function: Identifies bacteria causing UTIs and performs antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) in under 45 minutes.
• Method: Uses a single-use cartridge with urine sample, exposing bacteria to different antibiotics and concentrations.
• Advantages:
  • Speed: Provides results in 30-45 minutes compared to the current 2-3 days.
  • Accuracy: Helps doctors choose the right antibiotic immediately.
  • Affordability: Designed to be accessible and affordable for global use.

Current UTI Diagnostic Methods

• Urine Dipstick Test:
  • Pros: Quick results in minutes.
  • Cons: Only 50-60% accuracy, does not guide antibiotic choice.
• Laboratory Culture:
  • Pros: Accurate identification of bacteria and effective antibiotic.
  • Cons: Takes 2-3 days, leading to empirical antibiotic prescriptions.

Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance

• Problem: Antibiotic-resistant infections killed 1.3 million people globally in 2019 and may cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
• Economic Impact: Potential global economic loss of $4 trillion by 2030 and up to $100 trillion by 2050.
• Solution: Rapid, accurate point-of-care tests to manage and target antibiotic use, slowing the spread of resistance.

Implications for India and Global Healthcare

• UTI Prevalence: Millions of UTI cases in India burden the healthcare system and have socio-economic impacts.
• Sepsis: In 20-30% of sepsis cases, the infection originates from the urinary tract; severe sepsis has a high mortality rate.
• Potential: Rapid, accurate UTI tests could save millions of lives and improve antibiotic stewardship globally.

The Longitude Prize History and Objectives

• Historical Context:
  • First Longitude Prize: Announced in 1714 to solve the problem of determining a ship’s longitude.
  • Winner: John Harrison invented a device to calculate longitude.
• Second Longitude Prize:
  • Public Vote: Chose to address Antimicrobial Resistance.
  • Prize Structure: £10 million total, with £2 million for technology refinement and £8 million for the final winner.
  • Goal: Develop diagnostic tests to quickly identify bacterial infections and the right antibiotics, reducing unnecessary prescriptions and resistance.

Conclusion

• Revolutionary Impact: The PA-100 AST System promises to transform UTI management and contribute significantly to combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Future Outlook: Through innovation and collective action, a future protected from antimicrobial resistance is possible.