Researchers from the University of Limerick (UL) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) have collaborated on a study aiming to comprehend and mitigate the spread of bacteria in hospital environments. Their research, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, delves into the discovery of a newfound antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. The team, led by Prof Colum Dunne from UL’s School of Medicine, conducted an analysis on samples obtained from patients at University Hospital Limerick, as well as samples from the hospital's wastewater system.
The study revealed the presence of a bacteria strain resistant to multiple commonly used antibiotics, including those employed against antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Remarkably, the patient carrying this antibiotic-resistant strain displayed no symptoms and did not necessitate treatment with the antibiotics to which the bacteria exhibited resistance. This finding is particularly significant in the context of the growing public health issue of antimicrobial resistance, which complicates the treatment of infections and escalates the risks associated with medical procedures and treatments.
Antimicrobial Resistance's Rise
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a mounting concern globally, with an estimated 1.2 million people succumbing to bacterial AMR in 2019. This number is anticipated to surge to 10 million by 2050, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue. The UL and QUB research team, under the guidance of Prof Colum Dunne, has devoted over a decade to comprehending the dynamics of microbes circulating in hospital settings, with the overarching goal of instituting measures to prevent and control the spread of infections.
By scrutinizing data from an extensive study of the hospital's wastewater system and sequencing the genome of the newly identified bacteria, the researchers categorized the Limerick bacteria as a recent addition to the Pseudocitrobacter bacterial family. Hospital environments, heavily reliant on antibiotics and pharmaceuticals, provide fertile grounds for bacterial mutations, as elucidated by Prof Dunne. Acknowledging these risks, the hospital management has been supportive of the research, facilitating a forward-looking approach to infection prevention.
Identification of New species
The identification of new bacterial species is expected to become more frequent as analytical techniques become more accessible and cost-effective. The research team underscores the critical importance of collaboration between scientists and clinicians to effectively address the escalating challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Prof Brendan Gilmore, a study co-author and professor of pharmaceutical microbiology at QUB, emphasizes the significance of cross-disciplinary research in monitoring, identifying, and controlling emerging bacterial threats in healthcare systems.
Dr Nuala O’Connell, a consultant and UL adjunct associate professor in clinical microbiology, emphasizes how the research collaboration aids in understanding the potential routes of bacterial acquisition, informing infection prevention and control strategies. Prof Dunne concludes that this collaborative effort showcases innovation with tangible societal impact, as university-based researchers leverage their expertise and sophisticated molecular equipment in tandem with the clinical insights of hospital-based doctors and surveillance scientists to ensure patient safety. This study contributes to the broader global endeavor to grapple with the serious and complex issue of antimicrobial resistance.
