Diagnostics
2020 serves both as a warning and an invitation for collective action. Rather than a doomsday scenario, this is an opportunity we can address together – if we choose to act now. We have the tools and knowledge at our disposal; what is needed is a shared commitment. Healthcare providers can support local
prevalence studies to better understand their unique CPE challenges and associated risk factors. They can develop clear screening protocols tailored to their own local epidemiology. Investing in rapid molecular testing, especially in situations where time- sensitive decisions are crucial, and establishing robust data collection and analysis systems will strengthen our response. Policymakers play an important role by maintaining support and funding for diagnostics and surveillance initiatives. Researchers are essential in generating evidence that can inform our strategies. Manufacturers contribute by ensuring that developed technologies are effective in real-world settings. As these organisms adapt and change, it is important that we work together to evolve our approaches even more quickly. Rapid molecular diagnostics are a vital component of our toolkit, but they are most powerful when integrated into a comprehensive, collaborative strategy to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for those who need them most. The decisions we make together - regarding testing, surveillance, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship - will shape our ability to contain this threat and avoid further escalation. We can meet this challenge through decisive action, appropriate screening, rapid diagnostics, careful antimicrobial stewardship, and sustained investment.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Volume 23, Issue 3, 188 – 196. Accessed at: https://www.
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4. Lim FH, Modha DE, Collins E, Westmoreland D, Ashton C, Jenkins DR. An outbreak of two strains of OXA-48 producingKlebsiella pneumoniae in a teaching hospital. Infect Prev Pract. 2020 May 21;2(3):100033. doi: 10.1016/j. infpip.2019.100033. PMID: 34368708; PMCID: PMC8335917. Accessed at:
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nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8335917/
5. Merrick B, Tan MKI, Bisnauthsing K, Goldenberg SD. Healthcare resource use in hospitalized patients with carbapenem-resistant Gram- negative infections. J Hosp Infect. 2021 Apr;110:7-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.12.021. Epub 2021 Jan 8. PMID: 33428999. Accessed at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33428999/
CSJ
References 1. UKHSA, Carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative organisms in England since October 2020: quarterly update, Q2 2025. Accessed at
https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/carbapenemase-producing- gram-negative-bacteria-laboratory- surveillance/carbapenemase-producing-gram- negative-organisms-in-england-since-october- 2020-quarterly-update-q2-2025
2. UKHSA, English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) Report 2024 to 2025. Accessed at:
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3. Otter, J.A. et al. Counting the cost of an outbreak of carbapenemase- producing Enterobacteriaceae: an economic evaluation from a hospital perspective,
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6. UKHSA, Framework of actions to contain carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales September 2022. Accessed at:
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8. Jenkins DR, Auckland C, Chadwick C, Dodgson AR, Enoch DA, Goldenberg SD, Hussain A, Martin J, Spooner E, Whalley T. A practical approach to screening for carbapenemase- producing Enterobacterales - views of a group of multidisciplinary experts from English hospitals. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 Apr 26;24(1):444. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09307-y. PMID: 38671365; PMCID: PMC11046869. Accessed at: https://
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About the author
Dr. Devasena Gnanashanmugam is Vice President of Medical Affairs at Cepheid. She is board-certified in Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases by the American Board of Paediatrics. Dr. Gnanashanmugam brings a deep understanding of global health systems and infectious disease, supported by a strong publication record in high-impact journals. Her research spans diagnostic accuracy studies, pharmacogenomic innovation, clinical trials, policy and implementation reviews, and expert commentary. Through her leadership, she continues to elevate Cepheid’s role in delivering science-backed solutions that improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
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