Screening antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater: resistance mechanisms and AMR control approach in the West Bank
Lead institution(s)
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health globally, exacerbated by zoonotic epidemic risk (diseases which originate in animals and are passed to humans), climate change and the release of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes into the environment.Read more
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health globally, exacerbated by zoonotic epidemic risk (diseases which originate in animals and are passed to humans), climate change and the release of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes into the environment. This project aims to establish an effective AMR surveillance system in the West Bank by adopting a One Health (combining animal, human and ecological health) approach and leveraging advanced techniques.
The study aims to assess the frequency, distribution and hotspots of AMR, investigating the impact of urbanization and food production on AMR, identifying pathways of AMR transmission, and developing interventions to disrupt its spread. The methodology involves wastewater-based surveillance as a cost-effective method for monitoring AMR at the population level. Culture-based screening will be performed to confirm and characterize the identified resistance mechanisms in sewage samples. Additionally, a survey targeting human and veterinary laboratories will be conducted to determine the prevalence of resistant pathogens.
The project will assess the impact of urbanization and intensive food production on AMR, particularly in slaughterhouse wastewater and animal manure used as fertilizer. Informed by surveillance data, future water and sanitation interventions can be crucial in preventing the transmission of antibiotic-resistance genes, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the spread of antibiotic residues across humans, animals, the environment and the food supply chain.
Through collaboration with local partners and in-house training on research, this project will implement water and sanitation interventions as part of the comprehensive approach to tackle AMR. Additionally, the project will utilize advanced technology to gather and analyze genetic data, which will be shared through a public dashboard, promoting collaboration between the academic sector, government agencies and NGOs. Project results will inform evidence-based interventions and policy recommendations to mitigate the spread of AMR, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.