Genetic testing can prevent irreversible hearing loss from antibiotics.
Genetic variations in MT-RNR1 can lead to irreversible hearing loss with aminoglycoside antibiotic use, affecting patient safety. Approximately 1 in 330 individuals have MT-RNR1 variants linked to ototoxicity, with point-of-care testing showing potential cost savings by preventing hearing loss. MT-RNR1 testing offers a targeted approach to minimize aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity, though practice must balance timing and availability of test results with clinical urgency. MT-RNR1 testing can prevent hearing loss linked to aminoglycoside antibiotics in genetically predisposed patients.
Authors: McDermott JH, Hilton S, Dello Russo C, Booth N, Drysdale S, Howard P, Hughes S, Chakraborty M, McDevitt H, Alston C, Desai M, Beadsworth M, Reynolds A, Min S, Payne K, Pirmohamed M, Newman WG
Citation: McDermott JH, Hilton S, Dello Russo C, et al. MT-RNR1 genotype testing for preventing aminoglycoside-mediated ototoxicity: A guideline developed by the UK Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics (CERSI-PGx). British journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026. doi:10.1002/bcp.70712
Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI
The full analysis for this article is being written and reviewed. Every analysis is checked by a licensed pharmacist before it publishes.