Tracking Seasonality of Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistant Genes Using San Francisco State University Wastewater
Gabriela Franco
Department of Biology
Faculty Supervisor: Archana Anand
The overutilization of antibiotics has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is a cause for great concern as deaths caused by AMR are projected to reach 10 million people per year by 2050. For this reason, ongoing monitoring of pathogens in the general population and their AMR genes is essential. Most AMR monitoring has been done in clinical settings. However, clinical sampling may not capture an accurate view of the state of AMR. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a great tool for tracking community health because, as opposed to clinical sampling, it captures a more comprehensive look at pathogens present in the population. To monitor AMR and pathogens in the general population, I will collect wastewater at San Francisco State University. Seasonality affects pathogens present in wastewater. For this reason, sampling will take place over a year so that seasonality of pathogens can be taken into account when quantifying AMR. The most AMR genes are expected to be in ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), given that these species have been identified as being resistant to many antibiotics. This study will give us a greater insight into AMR in the general population.