Research Insights and Knowledge Mobilisation on Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance in England: ESPAUR Report 2024-25
AbstractThe Research Insights and Knowledge Mobilisation Chapter (Chapter 7) of the English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) Report 2024–2025 showcases research into healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) undertaken at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in partnership with its collaborators, from April 2024 to March 2025.1The research covers disciplines and topics across the field of AMR and HCAI to address the top 10 key research priorities outlined in the UK 2024-2029 National Action Plan for AMR (NAP).2 The Chapter outlines examples of AMR and HCAI research, collated with project, peer-reviewed publications, and conference abstracts, mapped to the NAP Outcomes (Figure 1). To navigate the breadth of research, studies are organised by the following topic areas: Strengthening surveillance and epidemiologySurveillance and epidemiology are crucial to enable early detection of new threats, track infections, inform policy, and to guide treatment decisions. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and prescribingAMS aims to effectively treat infection in the most appropriate way, with the result of slowing the development of AMR and preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Impact of COVID-19 on AMRThe COVID-19 pandemic has seen many adverse impacts on other infections, in particular HCAI, which have been on the rise. Infection prevention and control (IPC)New techniques and models are enabling hospital environments to be simulated, providing estimates on transmission, the development of resistance, and the impact of health inequalities. Novel IPC strategies are being developed. Novel therapeutics, technologies, and vaccination.Novel approaches have been developed to evaluate vaccines, diagnose infections, and to find new more effective treatments.The chapter spotlights the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs) in HCAI and AMR, from 2020 to 2025, led by Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, both with the UKHSA. Key research outputs from across the HPRUs are synthesised, reflecting the translational research for public health policy and practice. HPRU impact case studies illustrate the value the research has brought, including improving patient outcomes, reducing health inequalities, serving the health needs of under-served communities, and building capacity and capability to conduct high-quality research.Furthering the emphasis on ‘Knowledge Mobilisation’ (KM) (i.e., the act of getting the right information to the right people, to influence decision making) the chapter describes the Knowledge Mobilisation Toolkit developed by the Oxford HPRU, containing an array of tools, plus supporting information to help users navigate KM, and apply it to their own research.In 2025, the NIHR launched thirteen new HPRUs, which will run from 2025-2030.3 The HPRU in HCAIs and AMR is a partnership between the University of Oxford and the UKHSA.4 The chapter outlines the research aims of the new HPRU in the prevention and control of HCAIs and of AMR, and its aims to support the delivery and acceleration of progress towards the UK 2024-2029 AMR NAP.Figure 1.The distribution of over 100 peer-reviewed publications across the UKHSA by the NAP outcomes
ESPAUR 2024-25 reports 100+ UKHSA AMR/HCAI studies🦠, addressing UK's 2024-29 AMR plan. Focus: surveillance, stewardship, COVID-19 impact, IPC, novel therapies. New 13 HPRUs in 2025.
#idsky
09.01.2026 08:30
👍 0
🔁 1
💬 0
📌 0
Evaluating the Impact of Implementing and Scaling-Up the Use of Syphilis Rapid/Point-of-Care Tests (RPOCTs): An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of New Syphilis Positivity Rates in Alberta, Canada
In July 2019, a syphilis outbreak was declared in Alberta, Canada, affecting key populations. Syphilis rapid/point-of-care testing (RPOCT) provides opportunities to test individuals in nontraditional settings and provide same-day treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether RPOCT resulted in a decline in new syphilis positivity rates.MethodsStarting August 2020, syphilis RPOCTs were implemented in a single (Edmonton) health zone (EDM phase) and in March 2022 were scaled up across the province of Alberta (ProvScaleUp phase). To evaluate the impact of RPOCTs on new syphilis positivity rates, interrupted time-series analyses were used to analyze population-standardized new syphilis positivity rates before, during, and after RPOCT implementation. Generalized linear models assessed percentage declines in new syphilis positivity rates after RPOCT implementation.ResultsIn the preintervention period, monthly new syphilis positivity rates significantly increased across Alberta. After RPOCTs were implemented regionally (EDM phase), syphilis positivity rates decreased by an average of 15% (0.25 per 100 000 population). After wider distribution (ProvScaleUp phase), provincial rates decreased by 25% (0.22 per 100 000 population). Rates decreased more in the general versus prenatal population (15.9% vs 12.2%), among males versus females (16.0% vs 14.5%), among those in metropolitan versus urban and rural areas (15.2%, 14.0%, and 12.2%, respectively) and decreased the least among those aged 24–29 (12.5%).ConclusionsSyphilis RPOCT implementation was associated with a significant decrease in new syphilis positivity rates in a province of a high-income country experiencing a resurgence of heterosexual syphilis among key populations facing barriers to testing and treatment.
Syphilis RPOCT cut new positivity rates in Alberta by 15% regionally, 25% provincially. Declines: general pop 15.9%🔥, males 16%, metro areas 15.2%. Age 24–29 saw least drop (12.5%).
#idsky
19.12.2025 13:30
👍 1
🔁 1
💬 0
📌 0
Table of content Eurosurveillance issue 49 in 2025:
Rapid communication
Extended influenza seasons in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 due to the emergence of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K viruses
Rapid emergence of Trichophyton indotineae (Trichophyton mentagrophytes ITS genotype VIII) observed in the United Kingdom, up to August 2025
Lessons from an investigation of an autochthonous chikungunya outbreak in Bergerac, mainland France, June to October 2025
Outbreaks
A nosocomial outbreak of Ralstonia mannitolilytica linked to cosmetic water mist sprays in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital, Switzerland, 2024
Research
Spatiotemporal trends and determinants of syphilis among heterosexual males and females in the Netherlands, 2011 to 2023
Our new issue features a rapid communication on unusally long #inlfuenza seasons in #Australia & New Zealand prolonged by #H3N2 subclade K outbreaks
The source of an #outbreak of Ralstonia mannitolilytica in a hospital in Switzerland: contaminated water sprays
🗞️ bit.ly/EUS3049
#EpiSky #IDSky 🧪🛟⚕️🧫
11.12.2025 22:33
👍 6
🔁 4
💬 0
📌 0
REMINDER
1) Last week to apply for a PhD studentship working on near patient syphilis diagnostics - deadline 5th December.
2) We also have an STI modelling PhD open for applications until mid January.
If interested do get in touch.
28.11.2025 09:59
👍 5
🔁 3
💬 0
📌 0
Everything you need to know about ‘subclade K’ flu - and vaccine protection against it
As a new branch of H3N2 influenza gains ground, we explore what it means for this season’s flu vaccine.
H3N2 subclade K dominating early flu season in UK. Emerged at end of the southern hemisphere flu season, varies from the J.2 subclade chosen for this year’s vaccination. Current vaccine still thought to offer protection so…
Get your flu Vax! #IDSky #vaccines
www.gavi.org/vaccineswork...
15.11.2025 02:37
👍 4
🔁 4
💬 0
📌 0
Xpert MTB/RIF® cycle threshold as a marker of TB disease severity; Implications for TB treatment stratification
✅ Just Accepted
#IDSky
🔗 https://bit.ly/3WbLI1G
28.09.2025 19:17
👍 11
🔁 6
💬 1
📌 5
🆕 New in ICHE: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact HAIs and AMR in Canadian hospitals?
📈 This interrupted time series study (2018–2022) found significant increase in HAIs and AMR organisms following the onset of the pandemic
#IDSky
📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
18.09.2025 14:09
👍 2
🔁 2
💬 0
📌 0
Image showing the table of content of issue 36 in 2025:
Rapid communication
Detection and characterisation of Xpert CT/NG assay Neisseria gonorrhoeae diagnostic escape mutants, England, June 2025
An interseasonal outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 related to a music festival, Denmark, August 2025
Research
Progress towards HIV transmission elimination targets: model-based estimation of incidence and the extent of undiagnosed infection, Scotland, 1981 to 2022
Repeated cross-sectional surveys show a decreasing trend in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seroprevalence over a 50-year period, Finland, 1966 to 2017
This week's rapid communications describe
➡️A strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae producing false negative results on Xpert CT/NG assay in England
🔎An atypical sixfold rise in #influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases in Denmark during summer
Full issue here 👉 bit.ly/eus2036
#EpiSky #IDSky #MedSky #STISky 🛟🦠🧫⚕️
11.09.2025 20:41
👍 9
🔁 6
💬 1
📌 1
A diagram showing screening and randomization.
In a randomized, controlled trial, persons with early syphilis received a single treatment or three treatments with benzathine penicillin G at a dose of 2.4 million units. No benefit was seen with the additional doses. Full trial results: nej.md/3UVCKVZ
#MedSky #IDSky
03.09.2025 21:10
👍 24
🔁 9
💬 1
📌 5
How Botswana eliminated paediatric HIV
Political will, free maternity care and digital health tools helped Botswana achieve high standards for ending mother-to-child transmission.
A good story to uplift the start of your week. Read how Botswana eliminated mother to child transmission of HIV. Concerted prioritization of the problem, funding of programs, treatment, and community engagement. In 2023 fewer than 100 kids were born w HIV! 👏🏼 BRAVO.
www.nature.com/articles/d44...
25.08.2025 11:56
👍 164
🔁 64
💬 1
📌 2
Thanks Kate
09.08.2025 09:59
👍 6
🔁 0
💬 1
📌 0
Thanks Simon
07.08.2025 18:41
👍 6
🔁 0
💬 0
📌 0
Thanks Cath
07.08.2025 18:41
👍 0
🔁 0
💬 0
📌 0
Thanks Alan.
07.08.2025 17:33
👍 1
🔁 0
💬 3
📌 0
Infectious Disease Rounds
YouTube video by Dr. Glaucomflecken
Just for fun, we resemble these remarks…
(also it seems like the inservice exam exposure histories are lifted from this skit 😂)
#IDSky
youtu.be/t0VFAyAtNdA?...
06.08.2025 17:04
👍 7
🔁 3
💬 0
📌 1
🎶 Straight from the Lab to the Mic: when a Pasteur scientist turns her thesis into a rap 🎶
#FeteDeLaMusique
21.06.2025 15:24
👍 81
🔁 29
💬 5
📌 10
New review article
Identifying genomic surveillance gaps in Africa for the global public health response to #WestNileVirus: a systematic review
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#IDSky #ClinMicro #ViroSky #OpenAccess #OA
25.07.2025 07:17
👍 6
🔁 3
💬 0
📌 0
Trends in HCV Infection Prevalence Among People with HIV in Spain Over Two Decades (2002-2023)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has significantly impacted people with HIV (PWH). Harm reduction programs, changing transmission patterns, and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have profoundly altered HIV/HCV coinfection trends. This study evaluates HCV prevalence in Spain over two decades.MethodsWe conducted nine cross-sectional studies (2002–2023) in 39–43 centers. Sampled individuals were randomly sampled from PWH actively followed at these centers, with proportional allocation. Main outcomes included anti-HCV antibody and active HCV infection (HCV-RNA+) prevalences.ResultsThe reference population ranged from 31,800 to 47,006, with sample sizes of 1,260–1,867. HIV transmission patterns shifted from 2002 to 2023, with injection drug use (IDU) decreasing from 55% to 21% and men who have sex with men (MSM) increasing from 17% to 46%. HCV seroprevalence fell from 60.8% to 27.4%, and active infection from 46.3% to 0.9%. In the DAA era (2015–2023), active HCV dropped by 100% in heterosexuals, 94% in IDU, and 71% in MSM. Treatment uptake increased from 23% in 2002 to 99% by 2023 with all-oral DAAs. Cirrhosis among active HCV cases peaked at 23.1% in 2015 but fell to 0% by 2021. Among those achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), cirrhosis prevalence was 20.4% in 2023.ConclusionsHIV/HCV coinfection has drastically declined in Spain, with active HCV infection prevalence below 1% since 2021. DAAs were pivotal in this achievement. However, cirrhosis remains a concern among those with SVR. Ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts are essential to sustain these gains and address residual risks.
In Spain, HCV prevalence in PWH dropped from 60.8% to 27.4% (2002-2023). Active infections fell from 46.3% to 0.9%. Treatment rose from 23% to 99%. Cirrhosis among SVR cases was 20.4% in 2023. 📉🦠
#idsky
25.07.2025 11:30
👍 1
🔁 1
💬 0
📌 0
Thanks Paul for writing this
07.07.2025 18:10
👍 2
🔁 0
💬 1
📌 0
Wow! Much higher than I would have predicted given already washed! I wonder how much more another washing at home removes? Another one for history taking! #idsky
23.06.2025 06:49
👍 18
🔁 3
💬 2
📌 0
Serosurveillance identifies an endemic hotspot of Lassa fever in Faranah, Upper Guinea
Lassa fever, caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is a rodent-borne disease endemic to West Africa. Despite growing interest from the global health community, the overall disease burden remains poorly understood due to persistent underreporting and inadequate diagnostic capacities. This study aimed to assess LASV infection dynamics in rural Guinea, addressing gaps in understanding its epidemiology in endemic settings.MethodsA cross-sectional serosurveillance study was conducted across six villages in Faranah, Guinea, involving 1,306 participants. Serum samples were analyzed for LASV-specific antibodies using ELISA, and a subset confirmed via immunofluorescence and neutralization assays. Statistical and mathematical models were used to estimate key epidemiological parameters, including the force of infection, antibody waning rates, and infection prevalence.ResultsOverall, IgG seroprevalence was 82.3%, while IgM prevalence stood at 1.8%. Seroprevalence exceeded 50% by age five and increased steadily with age, indicating lifelong exposure. Antibody waning rates suggested an average IgG persistence of 58 years. Mathematical analysis showed that halving LASV prevalence would require a tenfold reduction in the force of spillover, highlighting the challenges of effective control measures.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence observed in this study was markedly higher than reported elsewhere in West Africa, identifying Faranah as a hotspot for LASV transmission. Despite the high seroprevalence and estimated force of infection, the number of reported acute cases is very low, suggesting that LASV may frequently cause pauci- or asymptomatic infections or be commonly misdiagnosed for other diseases. These findings underscore that LASV is more widespread than assumed in rural Guinea.
Lassa fever in rural Guinea shows 82.3% IgG seroprevalence in 1,306 participants. IgM prevalence is 1.8%. High seroprevalence indicates LASV is widespread, often asymptomatic. 🦠📊
#idsky
13.06.2025 11:00
👍 6
🔁 1
💬 0
📌 0
Xpert MTB/RIF® cycle threshold as a marker of TB disease severity; Implications for TB treatment stratification
Introduction Recent trials have demonstrated that shortened four-month treatment durations are effective for the majority of people with tuberculosis (TB). However, there is a population of TB patient...
NEW PRE-PRINT (currently going through peer review)
In this secondary analysis of the RIFASHORT trial we classified TB disease severity at baseline and show that for the majority of people 4-months of rifampicin-based treatment, without the use of a quinolone, was non-inferior to the 6-month SOC.
13.06.2025 08:19
👍 9
🔁 7
💬 2
📌 2
