Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a significant global health threat, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) now considered one of the top public health challenges worldwide. The phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to infections that are increasingly difficult to treat. According to estimates, AMR contributed to 4.71 million deaths globally in 2021.
Richard Martinello, MD, from Yale School of Medicine (YSM), highlights the gravity of the situation: “Now that we’re in a post-antibiotic era, it puts all those medical advances under a threat.” This sentiment underscores the urgent need for new solutions and treatments.
At Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), researchers and clinicians are actively seeking ways to combat AMR. The Yale Antimicrobial Resistance Network, established in 2022, connects experts across disciplines to address this issue. Reza Yaesoubi, PhD, uses simulation models to predict resistance trends and determine optimal antibiotic combinations. Sunil Parikh, MD, MPH, focuses on malaria drug resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.
One promising area of research involves bacteriophages—viruses that target specific bacteria. Paul E. Turner’s team at Yale's Center for Phage Biology and Therapy has been using phages since 2013 through an FDA expanded access pathway. Jon Koff, MD, notes the potential of phages: “There are some unique attributes of phages...that allow for them to be potentially synergistic with and also potentially independent of antibiotics.”
In hospital settings, preventing the spread of resistant pathogens is crucial. Scott Roberts, MD emphasizes hand hygiene as a key measure: “We focus on handwashing...and ensuring that it’s a safe space.” Additionally, innovative disinfection methods like UV light technology are being piloted.
Hannah Greenwald Healy’s research addresses contamination routes from hospital plumbing systems. Her studies show how bacteria thrive in sink drains and can lead to nosocomial infections.
To curb antibiotic misuse—a major contributor to resistance—the Yale New Haven Health System employs over 600 clinical pathways integrated into electronic health records. Deborah Rhodes, MD explains their purpose: “The pathways integrate up-to-date evidence...and access to precise orders and resources at the point of care.”
Efforts at Yale reflect a broader commitment to addressing AMR through research innovation and clinical practice improvements.
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