Sequencing-based surveillance monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in the environment

Although antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been recognised as a major threat to human health worldwide, the related phenomenon occurring in various water environments has been largely overlooked so far. The urban (including industrial) water cycle, which connects urban life, agriculture and the environment, is potentially a hotspot for the spread of AMR. Therefore, a better understanding of the distribution, transportation, and acquisition of AMR in the urban water cycle is critically important to improve the control of this emerging environmental and human health challenge. This project will build on 4 years collaboration with MGI Australia to develop a sequencing-based method and framework for AMR surveillance in the environment.