Motivation and Contribution
The METAGEN Project fosters an innovative cross-border partnership between Romania and Hungary to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare.
Led by the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara (UMFVBT), in collaboration with the University of Szeged (SZTE) and the ONCOHELP Association, the project aims to ensure equitable access to advanced diagnostics and to strengthen the resilience of health systems in the RO-HU border region.
Main Challenges Addressed
- Outdated microbiology diagnostic infrastructure in the region
- Limited experience in bacterial genome sequencing and inefficient control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
- The growing public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance
Innovative Solutions
To address these challenges, METAGEN introduces a state-of-the-art metagenomic approach using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) — a third-generation sequencing method capable of real-time DNA/RNA analysis and pathogen identification within 24 hours.
Complementary advanced technologies include:
- Infrared (IR) Biotyping: Detects HAIs, resistance genes, and virulence factors in under 3 hours.
- LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry): Enables cost-effective measurement of antibiotic levels in patients’ blood.
Together, these tools empower healthcare institutions to perform faster, more precise diagnostics, guiding timely and targeted treatments.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
To reinforce local expertise and ensure long-term sustainability, the project will:
- Train 100 healthcare professionals (microbiologists and clinicians) in cutting-edge diagnostic techniques.
- Organize joint workshops and knowledge exchanges for 60 microbiologists and 40 clinicians from Romania and Hungary.
This collaborative framework strengthens cross-border capacity, ensuring that advancements continue well beyond the project’s duration.