Britain needs a hygiene revolution based on the latest technology, experts have warned in the wake of the emergence of a new strain of highly resistant superbugs.
The general public, as well as health chiefs, need to be more aware that prevention is better than cure in combating the growing threat posed by bacteria resistant to almost all antibiotics.
The warning was issued by the developers of Byotrol, a new anti-infection agent capable of stunning results in killing viruses and stopping the spread of disease.
It came after new research published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases revealed that a new enzyme called New Delhi-Metallo-1 (NDM-1) – capable of jumping from one bacterium to another – threatens to make a host of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Clinical trials, most recently at the Glasgow and Manchester Royal Infirmaries, have shown that Byotrol, manufactured by a UK company, has a unique ability to continue killing superbugs for several days after application – unlike conventional bleach-based cleaning agents, which stop working once they dry on a surface.
Dr Gary Millar, Chief Executive of Byotrol plc, spoke of the importance of a hygiene revolution in which the focus is concentrated on preventing the spread of infection - in the home, workplace as well as hospitals and clinics – by using the latest generation of Byotrol disinfectants and cleaning agents.
Dr Millar said: “It is far better to stop infection at source rather than allow people to become ill and then cast around for an antibiotic to cure them."
“The latest Lancet research is very worrying. It suggests that in the future we will face super-resistant superbugs and we will be desperately short of drugs to combat them.
“We have to give infection control a much higher priority right through society. Byotrol can make a huge contribution here – not least because it comes in a variety of formats, including hand washes. Byotrol saves lives – and money.”
“And unlike conventional biocides, Byotrol is gentle on the skin and non corrosive on surfaces.”
Judy Wynne, Leicester around 1 year, 5 months ago