How NATROX® O₂ Supports Antimicrobial Stewardship

Global Health Threat

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global health threats, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Resistant infections were already responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, and in the United States alone, AMR contributes to more than 23,000 deaths each year, alongside $20 billion in additional healthcare costs.

When it comes to wound care, the rising challenge of AMR poses a serious barrier to healing. Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries are prone to bacterial contamination and colonization which can impact tissue repair, and antibiotics are often used to address this. Clinicians must adopt strategies that support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) while ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

The Wound Care Challenge

Chronic wounds present a unique environment that makes effective infection management more complex:

  • Peripheral vascular disease and altered pharmacodynamics (e.g., in burn patients) can prevent antibiotics from reaching the wound site at therapeutic doses.
  • Low levels of antiseptics such as silver increase the chance of developing resistance.
  • Bacterial biofilms—a common feature in chronic wounds—require higher concentrations of antimicrobials to be effective.

This means standard antimicrobial approaches are not always sufficient. Innovative adjunctive therapies are needed to tip the balance back in favor of healing.

The Role of Oxygen in Combating AMR

The Expert Panel Consensus Document on Antimicrobial Resistance in Wound Care, led by Dr. Windy Cole, Global Medical Affairs Director for NATROX® Wound Care, highlights the role of oxygen in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy.

Research shows that topical oxygen therapy (TOT) can:

  • Increase the metabolic rate of bacterial biofilms
  • Improve the uptake and effectiveness of antibiotics
  • Help clinicians overcome the limitations of systemic antibiotics in poorly perfused tissue

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Wound Care—Impact of continuous topical oxygen therapy on biofilm gene expression in a porcine tissue model—demonstrated that Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy (cTOT) increased the metabolic activity within bacterial cells. This oxygen-driven boost in metabolism enhances the susceptibility of biofilms to antibiotics and antiseptics.

How NATROX® O₂ Supports Antimicrobial Stewardship

NATROX® O₂ delivers Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy (cTOT) directly to the wound bed. By restoring oxygen at the site of injury, it helps clinicians strengthen their AMS strategies in several ways:

  • Improved antimicrobial effectiveness: Oxygen increases the impact of topical antibacterial and antimicrobial therapies on biofilms.
  • Enhanced infection control: By reducing bacterial burden and supporting host defenses, Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy helps minimize reliance on systemic antibiotics.
  • Support for healing: Beyond infection management, oxygen is essential for key processes like energy production-ATP, phagocytosis, and signaling from ROS.

By integrating NATROX® O₂ into wound care protocols, clinicians can not only help wounds heal more effectively but also reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, a cornerstone of responsible antimicrobial stewardship.

Takeaway

AMR is not just a future concern—it is a present-day crisis affecting wound care outcomes and driving up healthcare costs worldwide. Clinicians must adopt innovative solutions that reinforce antimicrobial stewardship while supporting healing.

NATROX® O₂ offers a powerful adjunctive therapy delivering continuous topical oxygen, addressing wound hypoxia, enhancing the effectiveness of antimicrobials, and combating biofilms. In doing so, it empowers clinicians to deliver better patient outcomes while playing a vital role in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

✅ Looking to learn more? Read the full Expert Panel Consensus Document on Antimicrobial Resistance in Wound Care and discover how NATROX® O₂ can transform infection management strategies.