HKU Researchers Develop Innovative Method to Track Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have unveiled a cutting-edge genome tracking method that provides unprecedented insights into how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread through urban environments. Led by Professor Zhang Tong from the Department of Civil Engineering, the research team has developed a sophisticated approach to monitor the transmission of resistant bacteria, particularly focusing on Escherichia coli (E. coli) found in Hong Kong’s rivers and sewage systems.

The research, supported by a University Grants Committee theme-based project, represents a significant leap forward in understanding the complex pathways of antibiotic resistance. By analyzing 1,016 E. coli samples collected over a year, the team used advanced nanopore long-read sequencing technology to trace specific bacterial strains and plasmids—mobile DNA structures that carry resistance genes.

The findings are both alarming and illuminating. The researchers discovered 142 identical bacterial strains present in both human and environmental water samples, revealing a profound interconnectedness between different ecological systems. Even more striking was the identification of 195 plasmids simultaneously existing in humans, animals, and the environment, demonstrating how resistance genes can rapidly transfer between different bacterial populations.

First author Xu Xiaoqing emphasized the critical nature of these discoveries, explaining that the research quantifies the ecological connectivity between humans, animals, and water bodies. This comprehensive understanding is crucial in addressing antibiotic resistance, which has emerged as a major global health threat.

The study, published in Nature Communications, goes beyond mere observation. Laboratory experiments confirmed the ability of plasmids to facilitate genetic transfers between bacteria, providing concrete evidence of how resistance mechanisms operate. This research offers a detailed map of how antibiotic-resistant bacteria can move and adapt across different environments.

The HKU team is advocating for a comprehensive surveillance system that integrates data from multiple sources, including sewage, environmental, and clinical samples. Such an approach would enable policymakers to issue early warnings and prioritize interventions targeting high-risk bacterial strains and plasmids.

This innovative research highlights the power of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex public health challenges. By combining advanced genomic technologies with environmental and clinical data, the team has taken a significant step toward understanding and potentially controlling the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in urban settings.

The implications are far-reaching. As antibiotic resistance continues to pose a growing threat to global health, this research provides a critical tool for monitoring and potentially mitigating the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The ability to track how these bacteria move between humans, animals, and environmental water sources offers hope for more targeted and effective intervention strategies.

Ultimately, the HKU team’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connections within our ecological systems and the ongoing need for sophisticated scientific approaches to protect public health. Their research not only advances our understanding of bacterial resistance but also provides a potential roadmap for future monitoring and prevention efforts.