The TARGetAMR Network launched its Monthly Webinar Series on Friday 24th January, with two insightful presentations from experts in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genomics.
This inaugural session featured leading exerts from the University of Cambridge. It also set the stage for a year of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the AMR research community. As the first event in a new programme of knowledge-sharing activities, the webinar also highlighted TARGetAMR’s commitment to fostering collaboration across the AMR research community.
Using Genomics to Improve Shigella Treatment Strategies
The first presentation was delivered by Dr Lewis Mason, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. During his talk, he shared findings from his PhD research. The study combined genomic data with patient demographics to improve antimicrobial treatment decisions for Shigella infections in England.
Using routine genomic surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Dr Mason analysed Shigella species collected between 2015 and 2020. His research included data from 23 hospitals across the UK and explored patterns of antimicrobial resistance among different patient groups.
Importantly, the findings showed that commonly prescribed treatments were often ineffective. These included ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. These were often ineffective due to the high prevalence of resistant isolates. However, the study also identified important demographic differences in resistance patterns.
For example, genomic and travel-associated data suggested that ciprofloxacin could remain an effective treatment option for travellers returning from Africa. As isolates from this group showed no resistance to the antibiotic. Consequently, the research demonstrated how combining genomics with patient demographic information could support more targeted and effective antimicrobial treatment strategies.
Harnessing Genomics to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Following Dr Mason’s presentation, Professor Kate Baker, Co-Director of the TARGetAMR Network, presented findings from a project commissioned by the Surveillance and Epidemiology of Drug-Resistant Infections Consortium (SEDRIC) in 2022.
Her presentation explored the growing impact of antimicrobial resistance on healthcare systems worldwide. In particular, she highlighted the significant burden AMR places on the NHS. It is estimated to cost approximately £2 billion each year.
Furthermore, Professor Baker outlined several challenges associated with understanding and monitoring AMR. Resistance pathogens are highly diverse and can exchange resistance genes within complex microbial environments. As a result, tracking the spread of resistance can be difficult using traditional methods alone.
However, genomics provides a powerful solution. By increasing the resolution at which scientists can identify and differentiate between organisms, genomic technologies enable researchers to detect emerging AMR threats earlier and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions more accurately.
One of the most striking findings from the SEDRIC project revealed that what initially appeared to be seven separate outbreaks were actually multiple co-circulating bacterial lineages carrying the same resistance plasmid. Without genomic analysis, these important connections would have remained hidden. Therefore, the study demonstrated the critical role genomics can play in strengthening public health surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Additionally, professor Baker discussed the growing potential of machine learning to predict antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and identify future resistance trends. While she noted that AMR presents a more complex challenge than COVID-19, she emphasised that genomic approaches could have an even greater impact on informing future interventions and policy decisions.
A Strong Start for the TARGetAMR Webinar Series
Overall, the first TARGetAMR webinar delivered valuable insights into how genomics can support both clinical decision-making and public health strategies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Moreover, the event provided an opportunity for researchers and professionals from different disciplines to share knowlegde and discuss emerging challenges in AMR research. As the webinar series continues, these discussions will play an important role in building collaboration across the antimicrobial resistance community.
Attendees praised the session and the quality of the presentations, with feedback including:
“The topics presented were very interesting.”
“Two great talks and time for discussion.”
“Lewis and Kate were very good.”
Learn More About TARGetAMR
As TARGetAMR continues to grow, the Monthly Webinar Series will provide regular opportunities to explore developments in AMR genomics, antimicrobial resistance research and public health innovation.
Whether you are a researcher, clinician, policymaker or public health professional, these events offer an opportunity to learn from experts, build connections and contribute to the collective effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
