Research on antibiotic resistance
Background
Resistance to antimicrobials is increasingly endangering human health. An increase in resistance to antibiotics is leading to a situation in which medicinal products are no longer effective, meaning that infectious diseases can no longer be treated, or not to a sufficient extent. Monitoring the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in humans and food-producing animals as well as identifying the molecular mechanisms of resistance transfer are important aspects in developing effective strategies for combating and preventing antibiotic resistance.
Research areas
- Occurrence and spread of antibiotic resistance in food-producing animals
- Molecular biological characterisation of resistant pathogens
- Participation in national and international early warning systems, including the development of effective methods and procedures
RESET Network - Resistance in Animals and Humans
Various institutions have joined forces in the RESET research network, which was funded by the BMBF from November 2010 to 2017 (funding code 01KI1013), to research the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They are focusing on a group of bacteria – enterobacteria – that are found not only in humans but also in animals and in the environment. Enterobacteria include, among others, Escherichia (E.) coli and Salmonella (S.) enterica. Resistance to important antibiotics in these groups of bacteria can become a public health issue.
The RESET research network consists of scientists from the fields of human and veterinary medicine, basic and applied research, and epidemiology. What is novel about this network is that the findings from molecular biological investigations and epidemiological studies are considered and analysed for a wide range of possible sources in complementary overarching studies.
The RESET research network is seeking to identify the cause of the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs
Resistant enterobacteria occur in various animal species, the environment, feed, food and humans. Resistant bacteria in animals can be transmitted to humans through food of animal origin, such as meat or eggs. The RESET research network is primarily concerned with the bacteria that become resistant to particularly important ß-lactam antibiotics by producing enzymes called extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). If these bacteria are also resistant to fluoroquinolones (a group of antibiotics that are currently considered to be last-resort drugs), the therapeutic options are drastically reduced. Escherichia (E.) coli and Salmonella (S.) enterica are among the antibiotic-resistant germs for which such resistance has already been detected.
The aim is to collect data on the spread of resistant bacteria. These data are to contribute to a better understanding of the pathways along which resistant bacteria or their resistance genes are exchanged and of the factors influencing the risks for humans. On this basis, risks are to be assessed and recommendations for measures to protect humans and animals derived.
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment participation in the RESET research network
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is participating in the national research network RESET – Antibiotic resistance in animals and humans – with two projects. The research projects are based in the Biological Safety division at the National Reference Laboratory for Antibiotic Resistance and the ‘Antibiotic Resistance and Resistance Determinants’ unit.
Epidemiological study at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
In order to be able to assess the effects on human health of the use of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones in animal production, a risk assessment for Germany is being prepared at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The aim is to estimateEstimateTo glossary the risk for the consumer and the contribution of various sources and pathways to this. To this end, existing knowledge is to be supplemented by new results from the research group and assessed comprehensively.
Resistance studies at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
To identify the hazard, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts extensive studies to precisely describe the resistant pathogens and their mechanisms. To this end, conspicuous isolates of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are identified and characterised using harmonised molecular biological methods. The main focus of these investigations will be on the precise description of the genetic basis. In addition, the elements that may contribute to the transfer of genetic information to other bacteria will be considered. The relationships between the pathogens will also be examined. All these findings will contribute to a better understanding of the development and spread of resistance.