Low-cost infection biosensor rapidly detects wound bacteria

A new infection biosensor based on screen-printed carbon sensors can detect bacteria commonly found in infected wounds in a matter of hours, with the potential to enable earlier treatment and improved patient outcomes in hospitals. Studies indicate that around 7% of patients in European acute care hospitals are affected by infections that originate in the hospital, such as infections of surgical wounds and bedsores. Particularly concerning is the increased incidence of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA, which has led to calls for rapid diagnostic techniques to identify real infections and reduce precautionary antibiotic use. Researchers from the University...