Kenilworth scientist makes breakthrough with MRSA superbug
Published: January 6, 2005
Life-saving research to combat the deadly hospital superbug MRSA will continue in the New Year by a Kenilworth scientist.
Prof Peter Hawkey was behind the breakthrough which dramatically reduces the length of time to detect MRSA from two days to two hours.
The test is a simple procedure, which involves taking a swab from a nose, but can amplify DNA strands and makes the bug easier to detect.
It was unveiled this month and has now been submitted to the department of health. And Prof Hawkey and his team at Birmingham Heartlands hospital are confident of approval despite its cost per patient jumping from as low as £5 for the previous test to £15.
Prof Hawkey said: “We think this is very important because it is a newer, more effective way of tackling a major problem. There are very high rates of illness and death from this infection in Britain. Patients have come in for routine surgery but have been disabled or even died as a result of MRSA.
“At present tests take two days and patients are effectively kept in isolation for nearer three. So to get results in two hours shows a genuine improvement, which will free up beds and nursing time - this is not just about the test’s speed but how we act upon it.
“You can never reduce the risk to zero but it needs to be reduced from its current levels.”
Prof Hawkey’s breakthrough came over nine months as he refined and evaluated a Canadian test for the superbug.
The professor of clinical bacteriology, who switched from studying plant microbiology to MRSA more than ten years ago because of its more immediate threat to people, will develop further tests in the coming year and teach his findings in Japan and China.
His high-profile work and consequent appearances on television news programmes has also enhanced his familiarity in the town.
Prof Hawkey, who has lived in Glasshouse Lane since moving to Heartlands hospital three years ago, added: “People have started recognising me a little bit. But I’ve settled nicely in Kenilworth and it’s a very pleasant place to live.”
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