Hope for faster treatment of UTI

Urinary tract infections can be treated more quickly using a new DNA sequencing device, according to research, reports BBC.

Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) say the device - the size of a USB stick - can detect bacteria directly from urine samples four times more quickly than traditional methods.

The technology could lead to faster treatment and better use of antibiotics, they say.

The device can also detect resistance to antibiotics, said Dr Justin O'Grady, also from UEA's Norwich Medical School.

Superbugs are now a major global health threat with multi-drug resistant bacteria.