Acquisition of Antibiotic Resistant Gut Bacteria and Impact of Microbiota
Antibiotic resistance as a global crisis, disproportionately affects Low- and middle-
Income countries (LMICs), yet community-level prospective data is scarce. Using a
community-based observational mother-child birth cohort study, we seek to
understand the acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria and the impact of gut
microbiota. Stool samples from mothers and their infant pairs and other surveillance data are collected prospectively from birth over two years and their gut
metagenomes are analysed for gut bacterial resistome. The complex interactions of
maternal and other external factors that may shape the acquisition is also elucidated.
We are also conducting a survey on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) on
antibiotic use in communities hosting the cohort and educational packages will be
co-developed with the community used to enhance antibiotic resistance awareness
in communities. The project aligns with national and international priorities established by the UnitedNa tions and the World Health Organization (WHO) to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through providing data on gut antibiotic resistome acquisition using low-income communities as a model, contributing to the global fight against AMR; providing evidence-driven community educational packages; and development of policy briefs aimed at informing local and national policies on AMR stewardship.