Project: Selection and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance in Complex Systems
| Acronym | STARCS (Reference Number: JPIAMR_2016_P014) |
| Duration | 01/01/2017 - 30/06/2021 |
| Project Topic | Selection and transmission are key determinants for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the planet. These determinants of AMR are frequently studied in laboratory settings while in reality they occur in complex systems, e.g. in microbial communities that colonize human and animal guts or in environmental ecosystems. The central aim of STARCS (Selection and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance in Complex Systems) is to characterize and quantify the processes of selection and transmission of AMR genes and drug-resistant bacteria in complex (eco)systems from a ‘One Health’ perspective and to integrate these elements into predictive mathematical models, which will be used to inform policy development. To reach this goal, the consortium will (i) develop and implement innovative metagenomics methodologies to map the expression of AMR genes and their linkage to bacterial hosts and mobile genetic elements in human, animal and environmental samples, (ii) use relevant animal models (using mice and ducks) and observational studies (in hospitals and in dogs and their owners) to analyse and quantify the processes of selection and transmission of drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (specifically Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli) and (iii) implement state-of-the-art epidemiological modelling to quantify the spread of ESBL-producing E. coli between humans and animals. STARCS will develop technological breakthroughs to assess selection and transmission dynamics on the level of the resistance gene, the mobile genetic element, the bacterium, the humananimalenvironment interface and in clinical settings. This project will deliver important knowledge into selection and transmission of AMR, will provide the scientific community with novel tools to study selection and transfer of AMR in complex systems and will result in much-needed guidance towards policy decisions by international and national institutions. Ultimately the results from STARCS will form an evidence-based foundation for the development of new regulations, aimed at curbing the spread of AMR |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | JPI AMR |
| Call | 3rd Joint Call: JPI-EC-AMR ERA-NET Cofund Call on Transmission Dynamics |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University Medical Center Utrecht | Coordinator | Netherlands |
| 2 | Wageningen University & Research | Partner | Netherlands |
| 3 | Uppsala University | Partner | Sweden |
| 4 | Ramón y Cajal University Hospital | Partner | Spain |
| 5 | Pasteur Institute | Partner | France |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | Partner | United Kingdom |
| 7 | University of Antwerp | Partner | Belgium |