Microbiota Intervention Strategies Limiting Selection and Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance burden in the One Health domain (MISTAR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming an increasingly serious problem worldwide. Yet it does not always receive sufficient attention. As a result, future generations run the risk of vital medicines becoming less effective. A major cause of AMR is the overuse of antibiotics. This makes it easier for resistant bacteria and resistance genes to develop and spread amongst humans, animals and the environment.

Aim

MISTAR investigated new ways to reduce the spread of AMR using a One Health approach that connects human, animal and environmental health.

Results

The project showed that microbiome-based interventions, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), can be safely applied and may help control resistant bacteria in the gut. Large clinical studies identified microbiome and resistance-gene patterns that could support future AMR surveillance and more personalised treatment strategies. 

MISTAR also studied airborne transmission of resistance through dust. While household air purifiers showed limited effects, environmental interventions at livestock farms significantly reduced airborne resistance gene emissions. In addition, the project identified naturally occurring gut bacteria, bacteriophages and CRISPR-Cas technologies that can selectively target resistant bacteria and resistance genes. These findings provide promising new tools to prevent, monitor and combat AMR in healthcare, agriculture and the environment.