Research network launched to tackle superbugs

Published on 06/08/2007 00:58

NEW severe forms of the deadly infection Chlostridium difficile are to be the focus of a new network set up to tackle serious super- bug problems in Scotland.

The Scottish Infection Research Network (SIRN), which launches today, will develop new methods of treating patients and warding off bugs such as MRSA and C difficile.

There are concerns that C difficile - which infects thousands of Scots every year - has mutated into more severe forms which are harder to treat.

Dr Alistair Leanord, director of the new network, said it wanted to change perceptions of research into such infections being "unsexy".

As well as studying how bugs are mutating, the researchers will look at issues such as how best to clean a hospital room after an infected person has left.

Dr Leanord said that SIRN would help bring together research already taking place in Scotland, with the aim of seeing the benefit for pat-ients quicker.

C difficile is one superbug whose cases continue to rise, with thousands of Scots struck by it every year.

Dr Leanord said: "Over the last five years we have been seeing more severe forms of the illness. What we are seeing now is the illness returning in patients.

"It may be that it has taken a decade to mutate to this degree.

"Why this is happening is the kind of question and the kind of research that needs to be done."