Antibiotic Resistance on the Fly

The summary is what was submitted. The aim is to quantify the risk of transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria on or around farms via flies. The hypothesis is that flies are significant vectors of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria throughout the farm environment. The project will incorporate controlled laboratory studies and farm surveys, utilising the dairy farm (Sutton Bonington Campus). Flies will be caught, identified and bacterial loadings quantified and tested for AMR (using classical and molecular techniques). Larvae living within organic matter 'hotspots' will similarly be tested and samples reared to determine carryover of AMR bacteria. Laboratory tests will include determining transfer of bioluminescent strains of E. coli (or Pseudomonas spp.) from larva to adult and to next generation eggs and larvae. Flies across trophic groups (dung/bacteria feeders and predators) will be studied to determine if bacteria can transfer from one group to another. Understanding the importance of flies as vectors of antibiotic resistance is important for farmers, smallholders and the public in general.