PAIRWISE: Dispersal Of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria And Antibiotics In Water Ecosystems And How It Influences Livestock And Aquatic Wildlife

Summary

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to modern human and animal health as the number of treatment options continues to decrease. To battle antibiotic resistant bacteria, a One-Health approach is not limited to the healthcare setting, as microbes that can infect humans and animals are found in almost all environments, including soil and water. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach within the fields of agriculture, wastewater treatment and medicine, is crucial when improving the health of humans, animals and the environment. Thus, the research project PAIRWISE was initiated which is a transnational research project gathering seven partners from Norway, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia and Uganda. The project focuses on the role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotics in waterbodies and how this influences occurrences and levels in livestock and aquatic birds downstream. Short- and long-distance dispersal of antibiotic resistance by birds are also studied using GPS satellite platform transmitter terminals (PTTs). The overall objectives are to gain increased knowledge on: 1. Dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotics in surface waters downstream of WWTPs 2. Carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in livestock linked to surface waters influenced by WWTPs 3. Role of aquatic birds in dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes