A team of Manchester researchers have developed the world’s first rapid bedside genetic test to prevent permanent deafness in babies upon administration of an emergency antibiotic.

Gentamicin is administered to approximately 100,000 babies every year in neonatal units to treat and prevent infection. In the majority of cases gentamicin doesn’t cause any adverse side effects, however 1 in 500 babies carry a genetic change that can cause permanent deafness when given the antibiotic.

Previously, genetic tests to determine whether a baby carries the gene would take up to several days. Professor Bill Newman and members of the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) team, based at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), worked with The University of Manchester and Manchester-based firm genedrive Plc to develop a non-invasive bedside test. After taking a cheek swab from the baby, the test can identify within 26 minutes whether the baby carries the gene change. The test’s quick turnaround means that if the baby is found to be at risk of becoming deaf, an alternative antibiotic can be given, preventing any significant delay in the treatment of infection.

This ground-breaking development is expected to preserve the hearing of up to 200 babies every year, saving the NHS £5 million that would be otherwise be spent on further interventions, such as cochlear implants.

Recognising the real-life impact this research will have on patient outcomes, the team were awarded emerging impact winners for their ‘Outstanding benefit to society through research’ at the University’s annual Making a Difference Awards as well as the New Statesman Positive Impact in Healthcare Award, 2022.

Find out more:

• Outstanding benefit to society through research: Bill Newman and PALOH study [YouTube]
• World-first genetic test for babies’ hearing wins major award
• Making a Difference Awards 2024 winners and highly commended

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