Research begins on animal-human antibiotic resistance link

A team of Bristolian scientists have started a large-scale study to investigate how antimicrobial resistant organisms can be transferred from farm animals to humans.

A main part of the project — ‘antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the real world’ — will investigate if bacteria from cattle can cause drug resistant infections in humans. Half a million people, from Bristol and the surrounding areas, will be studied to see how many urine infections are caused by AMR bacteria found in dairy cows.

Dr Matthew Avison, from Bristol University’s School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, said: “There is little doubt that over-using antibiotics in farm animals and pets increases the number of AMR bacteria in those animals, just as it does in humans. There is also strong evidence that AMR bacteria present in farm animals can spread to humans having close physical contact with them, for example, farm workers.

“However, there is considerable debate about the extent that AMR bacteria can spread more widely – for example when people eat food contaminated with bacteria from animals or interact with environments contaminated with animal wastes. Our research project will add much needed data to the debate.”

The researchers will also look at ways to reduce AMR bacteria levels in animals as part of the project. The scientists and government bodies will work with farmers, vets and retailers to encourage responsible use of antibiotics. The study will also investigate AMR bacteria in puppies by testing their faeces before they start going outside and after several months of walking along public footpaths. The last part of this multi-faceted study will also look at determining the effect of antibiotic use in humans on AMR bacteria levels and how a reduction in antibiotics affects this.

Professor Alistair Hay, from the University’s School of Social and Community Medicine said: “We will look to see if these reductions in antibiotic prescribing are translating into reduced rates of antibiotic resistant urine infections. If we find that a reduction in antibiotic prescribing has led to a reduction in the number of antibiotic resistant urine infections, it will be positive news for patients, GPs and nurses in primary care.”

The research is funded by a £1.75m grant from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Medical Research Council.