Emerging Infectious Disease

Rebecca Stumpf, Rachel Whitaker and Rebecca Smith of the University of Illinois in the U.S. will develop an approach that incorporates the role of many different organisms to track, model, and prevent the transmission of antimicrobial resistance in Western Uganda, where it is a major problem exacerbated by poverty and disease. It is not well understood how resistance to antibiotics spreads among bacteria. However, most analyses focus on the role of humans whereas animals are also likely to play an important role.

Ilana Brito of Cornell University in the U.S. will develop a model that predicts the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (superbugs) in specific locations by identifying bacteria living in the guts of the local population that carry antibiotic resistance genes, and determining how likely these genes will be passed on to pathogenic bacteria. Knowing where antibiotic resistance might emerge means it can be more effectively monitored and potentially prevented by limiting antibiotic use in those areas.

Howard Ochman of the University of Texas in the U.S. will develop an approach to identify bacteria that can spread antibiotic resistance genes to other bacteria and harm human health. Most methods for monitoring antibiotic resistance are used once resistance has occurred. Here they will measure the capacity for developing resistance, which should help better evaluate how antibiotic resistance persists, spreads and circulates on a global scale.

Sudeshna Adak from OmiX Research and Diagnostics Laboratories Pvt Ltd. In India will develop a point-of-care AMR test and polymer card combined with a phone based surveillance system to detect and track AMR molecular signatures in primary care settings or in settings where access to AMR testing is currently unavailable. They will demonstrate a proof-of-concept for detection of AMR in urinary tract infections (UTI), establish and validate a 5-gene AMR signature assay in the proposed AMR test.

Vuno is developing diagnostics tools using artificial intelligence technology to remedy problem in maternal health related to sexually transmitted diseases in Mongolia by providing expert level gynecology diagnostics support through portable devices.