Does antimicrobial resistance in river water pose a risk to human health?

Project Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms adapt, such that they no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat. This has significant implications for healthcare and society. Surface waters, especially rivers, receive pollution from various sources, and bathers can come into close contact with water-borne microbes. Previous work in coastal waters found an increased risk of exposure to, and colonisation by, AMR bacteria in recreational water users. Freshwater swimming is increasing in popularity, however, the threat that AMR in river water poses to bathers' and public health is poorly characterised. The results of this PhD project will have global significance in terms of understanding the sources and effects of pollution in rivers on human health and can help inform discussions on land and water management at regional and national levels through engagement with the Environment Agency and the UK Health Security Agency.
Project Aims and Methods: This interdisciplinary project evaluates the threat that AMR in river water poses to human health. This will be achieved through: a systematic review on the effects of bathing in river water on human health; a microbiological study of a UK rivers to understand the important sources of AMR, and effects on bathers' exposure and an epidemiological study to investigate the link between swimming in river water and health outcomes of public health significance.
Project partners: This project involves an exciting collaboration between the University of Exeter, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UK CEH), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), with support from the Environment Agency (EA).