Towards next-generation AMR surveillance: Assessment of novel technologies with high-throughput and multiplexing potential
( TEXAS )

Environment

Surveillance

Research Project: 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31
Total sum awarded: €1 700 152

Various genetic approaches are used for AMR surveillance, but there are few harmonized, high-throughput platforms that target clinically relevant markers that indicate AMR mobility and multidrug resistance (MDR). Here we will develop and validate two promising technological platforms that can be readily incorporated into national and international integrated surveillance programs. Our digital droplet PCR platform will provide a highly sensitive unbiased method of resistance gene (ARG), mobile genetic element, and taxonomic gene co-occurrence in complex environments. This approach allows genetic source tracking of clinically relevant MDR pathogens in regions with suitable analytical facilities. In tandem, our multiplexed DNA-based electrochemical biosensor platform will facilitate on-site multiplexed quantification of MDR markers, which reduces the need for expensive analytical equipment and highly trained staff. This will be invaluable for AMR surveillance in low-resource regions. Both technological platforms will integrate taxonomic, ARG and mobility markers inferred from microbiological, epidemiological, and environmental data generated by the consortium. The diverse and multidisciplinary TEXAS team includes experts on technology development as well as policy guidance to international organizations on central to global integrated surveillance planning. This will promote adoption of selected targets, and implementation of the two platforms (validated against gold standard methods) for samples collected from low- and high-resource settings and differing sectoral contexts

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  • Sefi Vernick, Agriculture Research Organisation, Israel (Coordinator)
  • Steven Djordjevic, Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Australia (Partner)
  • Doug Manuel, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada (Partner)
  • Kneis David, TU Dresden Institute of Hydrobiology, Germany (Partner)
  • Renee Street, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa (Partner)
  • David Graham, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (Partner)
  • Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Durham University, United Kingdom (Partner)

There is a growing realization that the mitigation of AMR necessitates global surveillance of clinically relevant indicators (i.e. antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes). However, there is currently no consensus regarding which markers to target and what levels are safe. The goal of the TEXAS consortium is to define a suite of genetic markers that underline the AMR status of a targeted environment, and integrate these markers into multiplexed platforms that do not require cultivation of bacteria. A digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) platform will employ immediately implementable technology to quantify clinically relevant markers that can be globally adopted to generate large and synchronized data sets that will shed light on the status of AMR in different environments, including healthcare facilties. In tandem, we will develop a novel biochip, which is currently in the early stages of development. Once mature, the biochip will provide a cheap and rapid means for high throughput source tracking of the selected AMR markers in different environments, and it can potentially be integrated into online monitoring platforms in the future. The chances of success are extremely high considering the multidisciplinary composition of the TEXAS consortium, which amalgamates experts in electrical and water engineering, epidemiology, molecular microbial ecology, public health, and policy guidance. We are confident that the selected markers and developed technologies will provide harmonized globally implementable solutions for integrated AMR surveillance that will be fundamental in mitigating AMR

Call

2023 - Development of innovative strategies, tools, technologies, and methods for diagnostics and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance