AMR Data Challenge: CAP Pathogen AMR Patterns in LMICs

Dear Vivli Antimicrobial Surveillance Open Data Re-use Data Challenge Organizers, We, a dynamic group of three researchers, are thrilled to submit our expression of interest for the Vivli Antimicrobial Surveillance Open Data Re-use Data Challenge. As passionate advocates for advancing antimicrobial resistance research, we have chosen a topic that aligns with our shared interests and expertise. Our team comprises two fifth-year medical students, Irshaad Hoosain and Moses Malebana, who are also Honours graduates in medical science, along with Dr. Imraan Majiet, a medical doctor with a particular focus on public health research. Our chosen topic revolves around investigating early trends in the emergence of S.pneumonia and H. influenza’s resistance to various antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, we will compare the burden of resistance to high-income countries to identify if there is a disproportionate burden of antimicrobial resistance between the two. These associations may be used to generate various hypotheses and guide research aimed at investigating the factors driving the resistance patterns to allow for early interventions. To accomplish our research objectives, we would require comprehensive datasets encompassing various elements. Particularly, we will need access to data on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of isolates for a range of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. This information will guide our case definition for antimicrobial resistance which will be defined in consultation with the literature and experts in the field. Secondly, we will require the geographical source of the isolates to accurately classify each isolate into LMIC or high income countries. Once the information is accessed and processed, various analytic tools include supervised machine learning (ML) techniques, Excel, etc to determine the trends and any further patterns in the distribution of AMR across the LMIC and high income countries. The distributions and patterns of resistance will encourage early and targeted research efforts and interventions as aforementioned, therefore having far-reaching implications in public health and AMR surveillance. Furthermore, early intervention will also result in prevention of treatment refractory pneumonia and thereby yielding positive outcomes for the patients. In conclusion, we are excited about the opportunity to participate in the Vivli Antimicrobial Surveillance Open Data Re-use Data Challenge and explore the chosen topic that we are deeply passionate about. With our diverse backgrounds and collective expertise in medical science, public health, and data science, we are confident in our ability to generate valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of antimicrobial resistance research. Thank you for considering our expression of interest. Sincerely, Irshaad Hoosain, Moses Malebana, and Dr. Imraan Majiet Affiliations: University of Cape Town, Paarl Hospital.