Investigating the Multi-scale Dynamics and Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health Systems of China and the UK

Lead Research Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Roslin Institute

Abstract

The proposed research addresses the urgent public health crisis of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Currently, it is not well understood if and how bacteria and their resistance genes spread between humans, animals, and the environment. Using a well-structured sampling framework we will compare the diversity of bacteria and their resistance patterns in Scotland (UK) and Chongming Island (China) to identify the drivers that shape the observed distributions. By analysing their DNA sequences and tracing their evolutionary history, we can learn more about how they move between people, animals, and the environment. This knowledge will help us refine our understanding of how infections and antibiotic resistance spread.Our project also aims to develop new ways to estimate the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By using advanced mathematical models, we can identify the sources and transmission routes. These scientific findings will provide insights that are relevant to policymakers. By understanding how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread, we can develop better policies and interventions to limit the spread of infections and reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance.

Technical Summary

Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health crisis that requires coordinated international research to understand the drivers of emergence and spread of AMR and to design effective control strategies. Currently, there is a lack of data on microbial communities across the One Health spectrum and the distribution and abundance of AMR genes. In particular, well-structured epidemiological studies with samples collected across human, animal and environmental niches within a defined geographical region are rare, and often not sufficiently powered to reflect the diversity of the microbiome. In this project we will identify factors that shape the diversity of microbes and their resistome across the One Health landscape at locations in Scotland and China. Our research focuses on investigating ecological factors such as population density, antibiotic use, land-use, farming practices, policies and climate to identify the drivers of the success of anti-microbial resistant bacteria (ARB) and their resistance genes. We will employ phyodynamic analysis to examine the transmission and expansion of clinically relevant pathogens, and investigate the evolutionary forces that influence their success. Furthermore, we will employ source attribution models and mathematical modelling to understand the distribution of ARB between human, livestock, and environment niches. Ultimately, our research reveal policy-relevant insights to inform interventions for effective control and prevention of AMR.

Publications

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