Strengthening the fight against antimicrobial resistance: Introducing the Allplex™ MDRO Assay

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to present a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide.
In England alone, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that there were over 20,000 antibiotic resistant bloodstream infections in 2024. This is approximately 400 infections every week and a 9.3% increase compared with 2023.1 This figure is expected to continue rising, with comprehensive studies forecasting as many as 1.91 million deaths each year directly attributable to AMR by 2050.2 Resistant infections lead to higher mortality, a greater burden on patients, and increased pressure on hospital resources and budgets.
Why speed matters
Against this backdrop, the rapid and accurate identification of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) is increasingly important in supporting effective patient management and infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Culture-based methods remain an essential part of AMR testing. However, the time needed to obtain results can delay vital treatment decisions and IPC interventions such as patient isolation.
A single molecular workflow for MDRO screening
The Seegene Allplex™ MDRO assay is a multiplex molecular assay that detects key healthcare associated organisms and resistance markers simultaneously, within a single workflow. Designed to complement existing microbiology workflows rather than replace them, it provides laboratories with rapid, targeted information considerably earlier than culture alone.
Targets include:
• Acinetobacter baumannii
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
• Candidozyma auris (Candida auris)
in addition to these organisms, the Allplex™ MDRO assay includes key extended markers for carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE) and extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL) resistance, giving laboratories a comprehensive molecular screening workflow.
Broader AMR screening alongside the Allplex™ Entero-DR Assay
Used alongside the Allplex™ Entero-DR assay, the Allplex™ MDRO Assay enables laboratories to take a broader approach to AMR screening. Together, the two assays provide an enhanced screening programme with greater flexibility, supporting patient management and antimicrobial stewardship.
Interested in introducing the MDRO assay to your laboratory?
Contact us to arrange a demonstration, learn more about the MDRO assay or discuss your requirements.
References
- 1UK Health Security Agency, “ESPAUR report 2024 to 2025: extended summary,”
- 2M. Naghavi et al., “Global Burden of Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance 1990–2021: a Systematic Analysis with Forecasts to 2050
The Lancet, vol. 404, no. 10459, pp. 1199–1226, Sept. 2024, doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)01867-1.

