Food Safety Projects
Optimized dosing regimens for the combinations of sulphonamides and trimethoprim in veterinary medicine (SulTAn)
To fill the gaps related to the pharmacokinetics of Trimethoprim and Sulphonamides, and to the pharmacodynamics (PD) of their interaction on veterinary pathogens across multiple animal species.
This project will focus on the combination of different S with TMP in veterinary medicine and will aim at determining the needed adjustments or revisions to optimize TMPS dosage regimens in domestic animal species.
Genetic and non-genetic factors in Campylobacter levels in poultry
Researchers explored variation at specific positions in chickens’ genome and their association with Campylobacter in the birds’ guts. Campylobacteriosis exerts profound societal and economic costs to the UK and other countries. The World Health Organization has estimated that Campylobacter causes 95 million illnesses, 21,000 deaths and loss of 2.1 million disability-adjusted life years globally. In the UK alone, there were 63,946 laboratory-confirmed human cases in 2017.
The study concluded that, although there are genetic factors that influence Campylobacter colonisation, these factors play a relatively minor role.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) One Health Poultry Hub
With integrated streams of social, economic, biological, mathematical and policy-led research, we are co-producing detailed knowledge on the biological, structural and socio-economic factors that shape networks of chicken production and distribution. The 91°µÍø-led UKRI GCRF One Health Poultry Hub brings together leading laboratory, clinical, veterinary and social scientists, as well as skilled communications experts, programme support staff and external stakeholders.
PK/PD informed clinical breakpoint determination for colistin in chicken to limit emergence of resistance and improve One Health antimicrobial sustainability
This project aims to evaluate the impact of colistin use on antimicrobial resistance and rationalise dosing through a combination of in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) dose studies, in vitro pharmacodynamic (PD) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and advanced in silico PK/PD modelling.
To maintain colistin as an essential antimicrobial for both human and veterinary use, recent and reliable data regarding the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) at the clinical dose in poultry, and its impact on the potential selection of resistance is required to inform application and policy.
Molecular analysis of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Enterobacteriaceae in food-producing animals and humans in Southeast Nigeria
A study of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing bacteria in food-producing animals and in-contact humans in Southeast Nigeria.
The indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents in humans and livestock imposes a selective pressure for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria. In Nigeria, the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) has been recognised as a common mechanism of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins among Enterobacteriaceae.
Foodborne diseases and public health governance: Comparing food safety, consumer preferences and governance in the supply of meat to urban markets.
Foodborne diseases are a major cause of morbidity, mortality and undernutrition including micronutrient deficiencies, with animal-derived food posing the highest risk for consumers in low and middle-income countries such as Peru. Traditional food markets are still the dominant distribution channel for locally produced food in developing countries and the main food source for most poor urban households. The research explores the safety of meat supplied through traditional food markets that serve poor urban consumers.
AMFORA: Applying a One Health systems approach to formulate strategies for mitigating risk to human health of AMR in Aquaculture
The aim of AMFORA is to use a ‘systems-thinking’ approach to map aquaculture systems and identify hotspots for the emergence and selection of resistance and human exposure to antimicrobials and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
This will enable the identification of potential drivers of AMU and interventions to reduce AMU.