Brussels, 20/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - A new scientific network, supported by the EU's Research Framework Programme, has been set up to tackle the increasing problem of resistance to antibiotics when dealing with lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This network of excellence, GRACE, will pool European expertise and excellence in this field to increase knowledge, ensure the practical application of any research findings, develop new diagnostic tests and improve education and training. The network brings together 17 academic groups from 9 EU Member States.
Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use vary widely within and between European countries, but there is general agreement that the over-prescription of antibiotics to tackle illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia is contributing to the rise of resistance to these medicines in the organisms that cause these diseases. To take an example, 70 to 90% of the 16 million people who suffer from acute bronchitis each year are prescribed antibiotics. Without clear guidelines on antibiotic use based on robust science, it is left to doctors to make decisions on their own.
The GRACE network (Genomics to Combat Resistance against Antibiotics in Community-acquired LRTI in Europe) will seek to provide better information for doctors and patients about antibiotic use. It will link scientific research centres of excellence and primary care networks throughout Europe, including internationally recognised leaders in fields such as basic medical sciences including genomics, applied laboratory sciences, primary healthcare including general practice, hospital medical practice, epidemiology, communication sciences, information technology, health economics, modelling and professional training and development. Such a comprehensive network will cement Europe's position as an international leader in the field of research into respiratory infections. The GRACE network will also address the best possible use of results through the involvement of small and medium-sized companies that can help to develop bed-side diagnostic tools. It will also address the need to provide proper information and training for healthcare professionals through both web-based teaching and practical courses. In the longer term, GRACE will be in a position to address many other future research issues and conduct clinical trials such as epidemiological studies on flu and many other emerging infectious diseases, studying rapid diagnostic testing, evaluating new antibiotics, antivirals and vaccines. This could potentially lead to a virtual European Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Research Centre. The network will receive EUR 11.5 million from the EU's Research Framework Programme and will run until at least 2011, a Commission press release states. For further information: http: //http://www.GRACE-LRTI.org