ANTIRES - Distribution pathways of antibiotic resistances in municipal wastewater

ANTIRES investigates the occurrence and expression of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and antibiotic resistant microorganisms (ARM) in wastewater using state-of-the-art complementary meta-omics techniques. In order to identify distribution pathways of ARGs through polluted wastewater, samples of municipal wastewater are taken at seasonal intervals. The integration of microbiological and biochemical as well as metagenome, metatranscriptome and metaproteome analyses should provide information about the occurrence of antibiotics, ARMs and actually expressed ARGs. The results of these investigations will be used to establish an antibiotic resistance rapid test. The data and diagnostic tools collected in ANTIRES contribute to a better understanding of the distribution pathways and seasonal dynamics of antibiotic resistance in water bodies and are therefore essential for the development of strategies to contain this process.