Seminar on Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance Emergence from Environmental Surveillance

NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI) recently hosted a seminar featuring Professor Helen Nguyen, Ivan Racheff Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois on 13 July 2023.

Prof. Nguyen captivated the audience with her team's cutting-edge research on environmental surveillance, which employed quantitative gene tracking and high-fidelity whole genome sequencing techniques. Their research focused on understanding the prevalence of Salmonella enterica and associated antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) in flood water samples collected near pig farms following hurricane Florence in 2018. Additionally, they conducted a year-long wastewater surveillance study, analysing samples from a pork processing facility and the neighbouring communities.

The findings revealed compelling evidence of potential horizontal gene transfer among bacteria species. These insights are crucial for formulating effective control strategies to combat the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

It was a privilege to have Prof. Nguyen share her invaluable expertise with us at NERI.