colorado researchers study 'superbug' for antibiotic resistance on farms

Colorado researchers study 'superbug' for antibiotic resistance on farms CHICAGO Fri Jan 16, 2015 7:10pm EST CHICAGO (Reuters) - Researchers at Colorado State University are rolling out a series of projects to track antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the livestock industry, in an attempt to determine whether farm practices are fueling the rise of "superbugs." Using a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the scientists will focus on the DNA of these bacteria to help identify and trace back where such organisms become drug-resistant. Scientists and government regulators have grown increasingly concerned that the widespread use of antibiotics given to livestock on farms may be a factor in the rise of "superbugs" - bacteria that grow resistant to drugs, infect humans and defy conventional medicines. "We're trying to answer the question, 'Are agricultural production systems truly affecting human health by increasing antimicrobial resistance?'" said veterinarian Paul Morley, a professor of epidemiology and infection control at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Using DNA sequencing technology, Morley and Keith Belk, professor in the school's Center for Meat Safety and Quality, and others plan to trace the specific genes that cause resistance in bacteria. That, in turn, will help them uncover sources and ways such "superbugs" travel between animal and human, said Morley, one of the lead researchers in the project.

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Colorado researchers study 'superbug' for antibioticresistance on farms

CHICAGO Fri Jan 16, 2015 7:10pm EST

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Researchers at Colorado State University are rolling out a series of projects totrack antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the livestock industry, in an attempt to determine whether farmpractices are fueling the rise of "superbugs."

Using a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the scientists will focus on theDNA of these bacteria to help identify and trace back where such organisms become drug-resistant.

Scientists and government regulators have grown increasingly concerned that the widespread use ofantibiotics given to livestock on farms may be a factor in the rise of "superbugs" - bacteria that growresistant to drugs, infect humans and defy conventional medicines.

"We're trying to answer the question, 'Are agricultural production systems truly affecting humanhealth by increasing antimicrobial resistance?'" said veterinarian Paul Morley, a professor ofepidemiology and infection control at Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Using DNA sequencing technology, Morley and Keith Belk, professor in the school's Center for MeatSafety and Quality, and others plan to trace the specific genes that cause resistance in bacteria.That, in turn, will help them uncover sources and ways such "superbugs" travel between animal andhuman, said Morley, one of the lead researchers in the project.

Page 2: Colorado researchers study 'superbug' for antibiotic resistance on farms

The seven research projects will focus mostly on beef and dairy operations, though some of theresearch will be conducted on hog and poultry farms. The projects are expected to begin in thecoming weeks, Morley said.

(Reporting By P.J. Huffstutter in Chicago.)

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