By Daisy Ayliffe - 17th March 2006
The EU has launched a new network to tackle the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics.
The EU’s GRACE network (Genomics to combat Resistance against Antibiotics in Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in Europe) was launched on Friday.
It aims to pool experts and develop new diagnostic tests to increase knowledge across the EU.
Around 75 per cent of all antibiotic prescriptions are for the treatment of respiratory tract infections - and this extensive use of antibiotics has dramatically increased resistance.
Officials at the GRACE project also fear an outbreak of pandemic bird flu would be likely to trigger even heavier consumption of antibiotics.
"We know that there is growing concern among the public about rising rates of antibiotic resistance," EU science and research commissioner Janez Potocnik explained at the launch on Friday.
“By pooling our excellence we have a much better chance of finding answers more quickly.”
The initiative challenges doctors and pharmacists who dispense antibiotics to people with viral illnesses rather than bacterial infections. This practice gives bacteria more opportunities to build up defenses.
The GRACE scheme will cost €11.5 m and will link medical and science faculties in nine countries.
The project will focus on training for health care workers, monitoring resistance and developing tests to establish patients' suitability for drugs to treat pneumonia and bronchitis.
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