The NIHR Centre for Precision Approaches to Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (C-PACA) is a research facility based at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).
Established with a £4.4 million award from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Centre is dedicated to tackling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by translating cutting-edge research into routine clinical practice.
Lab tour of the NIHR Centre for Precision Approaches to Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance at MFT
Our focus is on improving antibiotic use through precision medicine. By stratifying the prescription and administration of antibiotics, we ensure that current treatments will remain effective.
The centre plays a vital role in supporting clinical research at Wythenshawe Hospital, receiving samples from patients enrolled in clinical trials directly for analysis. We specialise in developing and validating mass spectrometry assays for the analysis of volatile organic compounds, metabolites, and drug measurements. Furthermore, we provide expertise in metagenomics analysis to identify antibiotic resistance genes and understand the relationship between the microbiome and antimicrobial resistance. This allows us to develop treatments that are more enhanced and effective than current infection treatments. Together, we are advancing research to improve outcomes of our patients and safeguard the future of healthcare combat the impact of antimicrobial resistance.
The C-PACA is the first research lab at MFT to receive a Silver Award for the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework.
Established by UCL, the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework is an accreditation scheme designed to improve sustainability within higher education teaching and research. The framework allows laboratories to quantify their environmental and financial impact.
