A breakthrough in bacterial detection promises faster, more effective treatments.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at McGill University have created a diagnostic system that can identify bacteria and determine which antibiotics are effective against them in just 36 minutes.
This innovation marks a significant step forward in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing public health threat. Traditional laboratory tests often take 48 to 72 hours, delaying treatment decisions and contributing to inappropriate antibiotic use.
The global threat of antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them.
Over time, this makes infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness and death. AMR is already responsible for over one million deaths annually worldwide, surpassing fatalities from diseases like HIV/AIDS or malaria.
Experts warn that delayed diagnosis and misuse of antibiotics are major drivers of this crisis, emphasising the urgent need for rapid, reliable testing methods.
Introducing QolorPhAST: Fast, accurate, and portable
The new system, named QolorPhAST, is compact, automated, and engineered to deliver ultra-fast results.
The device leverages cutting-edge nanotechnology to detect bacterial activity: when live bacteria metabolise, nanosensors change colour almost instantly.
This colour shift is then analysed by machine-learning algorithms to identify both the type of bacteria and their susceptibility to antibiotics without requiring overnight cultures.
Developed in Professor Sara Mahshid’s lab at McGill, QolorPhAST combines expertise in nanomaterials engineering, microfluidics, optical physics, and artificial intelligence.
Former PhD students Mahsa Jalali and Tamer AbdElFatah played pivotal roles in translating these advanced technologies into a practical diagnostic tool.
Clinical testing shows promising results
In a blind clinical trial using 54 urine samples, QolorPhAST demonstrated a high degree of accuracy compared to traditional laboratory methods, while reducing testing time dramatically.
Its portability, ease of use, and affordability make it suitable for widespread deployment, including in clinics treating urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections.
By enabling rapid, precise identification of bacterial infections, QolorPhAST helps physicians prescribe the right antibiotics immediately, potentially reducing the overuse and misuse of these drugs – a key driver of antimicrobial resistance.
The road ahead
The McGill team is now moving toward commercialisation. The goal is to bring QolorPhAST to healthcare settings worldwide, providing a critical tool in the battle against drug-resistant infections.
As AMR continues to threaten global health, innovations like QolorPhAST could become essential in bridging the gap between diagnosis and effective treatment, ensuring faster, more targeted care and helping to curb the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
