As the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) intensifies, leading experts gathered at the AMR Summit, hosted by bioMérieux and Henry Ford Health on September 30–October 1 at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The summit aimed to promote actionable strategies to combat this pressing health threat that affects millions globally.
Antimicrobial resistance is recognized by health authorities worldwide as a critical challenge requiring coordinated efforts across various sectors. In the United States, estimates indicate that over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur annually, leading to approximately 35,000 deaths. This situation has significant financial implications, as the direct treatment costs for common resistant pathogens exceed $4.6 billion annually. Alarmingly, if measures are not taken swiftly, AMR is projected to become the leading cause of death globally by 2050, surpassing even cancer.
The two-day summit brought together infectious disease physicians, pharmacists, microbiologists, public health officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the complexities of AMR and pave the way for collaborative initiatives.
Jennifer Zinn, Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations at bioMérieux, emphasized the importance of diagnostics in addressing AMR. “As a global IVD leader in infectious diseases, our ambition is to show that diagnostics are essential to bending the AMR curve and enhancing clinical outcomes,” Zinn stated. “By collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare continuum, we’re accelerating stewardship where it matters most.”
Highlighting a similar commitment, Linoj Samuel from Henry Ford Health noted, “At Henry Ford Health, patient safety is at the core of our mission. We aim to advance responsible, evidence-based practices in antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship for better patient outcomes.”
The summit also spotlighted the challenges faced by marginalized populations in accessing appropriate care. Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, a faculty member at the University of California San Diego, pointed out that lack of diagnostic testing in outpatient settings often results in missed diagnoses. She advocated for integrated diagnostics in stewardship programs as a means to improve public health outcomes.
Addressing the veterinary side of the issue, Robert J. Tibbetts of Henry Ford Health highlighted the parallels between human and animal health, noting that 80 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. are used in animals. “To establish successful stewardship programs, collaboration is essential,” Tibbetts asserted.
Dr. Amanda Harrington from Loyola University Medical Center shared alarming statistics on antibiotic prescription practices. “Half of antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed. With diagnostics, we have a powerful solution to this crisis, but we must act now—time is running out.”
Geehan Suleyman from Henry Ford Health emphasized the strategic role of diagnostic stewardship in enhancing diagnostic precision and reducing unnecessary testing. “Leveraging EHR-integrated clinical decision tools can lead to improved patient care, reduce hospital-acquired infections, and optimize antimicrobial utilization,” Suleyman explained.
The AMR Summit created a platform for candid discussions and networking, galvanizing participants to commit to actionable strategies that extend beyond the event. As the threat of antimicrobial resistance looms larger, the concerted efforts of these professionals and their commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions will be paramount in addressing this global health crisis.