The transfer of carbapenems resistance between the environment and humans threatens the use of these drugs, which are critically important for human health. As a member of the human microbiome Escherichia coli may play a key role in this flux, since it can also proliferate in aquatic environments. This project aims to clarify the role of E. coli as carrier of carbapenems resistance between environmental and human settings. Environmental carbapenems-resistant strains will be characterized concerning resistance and virulence traits and the motility potential of resistance genes. For this a genomics-based approach will be integrated with classic and molecular Microbiology methods. Results will increase our knowledge on the flux of resistance between the environment and humans. This project will provide input to develop more sustainable antibiotic use and water management policies, thus avoiding the expansion of multiresistant pathogens and preserving the efficacy of carbapenems.

CESAM members on this project

Isabel Henriques
Coordinator

Marta Tacão
Researcher

Researcher