Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

PIER: Public health Impact of Exposure to antibiotic Resistance in recreational waters

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Dearbhaile Morris

Project Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance(AMR) is recognised globally as one of the greatest threats to human health. The role the environment plays in transmission of AMR is poorly understood. It is estimated that almost half of adults in Ireland use recreational waters at least once a year. There are potential health implications from exposure to antimicrobial resistant organisms (ARO) if present in recreational waters. Recent work completed by the members of the project team have revealed consistent contamination of coastal waters with ARO. By the established regulatory standards, the bathing water quality in the area concerned has been consistently of sufficient quality. Findings of ARO in recreational waters point to limitations of the use the number of E. coli per 100mL as an indicator of bathing water quality. This approach does not adequately reflect the public health risk posed by some variants of E. coli, such as antimicrobial resistant E. coli. The proposed project will examine the relative risk of colonisation with ARO following exposure to coastal waters and will generate valuable evidence to inform policy makers and water regulators. The proposed research will also examine how environmental exposure to AROs impacts on quality of life and use of blue/green spaces. � Review of current knowledge on public health risk of AROs in the coastal environment. � Final report of the scientific work performed in the project. � A 2-page dissemination report targeted at key stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare professionals and policy makers. � A non-technical research summary including recommendations aimed at the general public. � A minimum of 5 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact, open-access academic journals (Environmental Health Perspectives, Science of the Total Environment, Environment International, etc.). � Oral and poster presentations at national and international meetings and conferences. � Project webpage, media publicity, social media engagement to raise awareness of the challenge of AMR � Stakeholder engagement strategy an protocols for systemic and sustainable change. � Determination of the public health risk/consequences of exposure to AROs in bathing waters and the role the environment plays in AMR persistence and spread in humans. � Initiation of a new Environmental Health Research collaboration (NUIG and University of Exeter) and associated national and international networks. � Building Ireland�s �One Heath� research capacity to support the National Action Plan on AMR

Grant Approved

�449,731.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Health and well being

Start Date

31/03/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2023