Idea TitleDART: Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Toolbox
Submission DivisionMain (18 years +)
AbstractBy Danielle Wrenn
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, contributing to millions of deaths annually. Traditional surveillance methods involve transporting samples to specialized labs for testing, which can be challenging for remote or resource-limited communities. The Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Toolbox (DART) is a portable tool designed to address this issue by enabling on-site detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes in microbial communities.
DART utilizes genetic sequencing to identify antimicrobial resistance genes and bacteria that may pose a public health risk. Its unique feature lies in its portability and ability to deliver quick, actionable results directly where needed. With novel software, DART increases detection efficiency and can easily be upgraded to incorporate the latest information. Its user-friendly interface enables testing in remote and resource-limited communities, even by novice users.
I am developing DART specifically to reduce barriers to expedient antimicrobial resistance testing in rural and resource-limited areas within Alaska, including the Arctic. Living in the Arctic poses a challenge to sample transport and reduces access to water and sanitation infrastructure, resulting in an increased risk for bacterial infections. Exposure to resistant pathogens would only exacerbate the risk of negative health outcomes for rural Arctic communities that have limited healthcare access.