Experts in the Westcountry have created a new formula promising to reduce the number of people across the globe being hit by a deadly superbug.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have established a four-point test to predict death risk from the Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection.
It is being hailed as an "accurate, robust and simple method" of identification with the potential of benefiting patients, hospitals and health services around the world.
Lead author of the study Dr Steve Michell, senior lecturer in molecular microbiology at the university, said: "Our findings are exciting because they identify a simple, accurate and robust method to identify those patients who are at risk of dying from a C. diff infection.
"The results of our study strengthen the evidence for establishing the use of this rule in clinical settings: the benefits to patient well-being, the efficient management of infection in hospital and potential savings to the NHS and other health services around the world, would be immense."
Scientists at the university were supported by experts at the Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) Hospital.
Dr Ray Sheridan, Consultant Physician at the RD&E, said: "Patients with C. difficile are often much sicker than they might first look. They generally have a weak immune system and are being more prone to infections. Consequently, they don't generate the same immune response as healthier people would."
The study involved 213 patients transferred to the RD&E's specialised C. diff ward between 2007 and 2009, at a time when the hospital's infection rate was below the national average.
Dr Sheridan added: "This really simple and quick tool, which any junior doctor could use in the middle of the night quickly and easily, flags up those who need a speedy and intensive treatment regime or more senior help. The quicker we get on with the right treatment for the right patient the better their chances of recovery are. This is a tool that should be used in every hospital in the UK as soon as possible: if we did so we would save more lives."
The infection most commonly hits people staying in hospital and affects the digestive system.
It is not usually a problem for healthy people, but may infect those on antibiotics with an imbalance of 'good bacteria' in the gut.
In 2011 there were 17,414 reported cases of the infection in England, and related deaths accounted for 1.1% of all deaths in England and Wales between 2006 and 2010.
Patients over the age of 65 have particular risk of dying from the infection, while one in five of those are likely to have a recurrence once antibiotics are withdrawn.
