Initial situation/scientific issue

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens poses a significant threat to public health. Conventional methods for monitoring these pathogens are often time-consuming and may not provide comprehensive genomic data.

Project description/methodology

This project aims to implement next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, including those based on short- and long-read sequencing, for rapid, accurate and cost-effective monitoring of foodborne pathogens and their AMR at the retail stage of the food chain. Various food matrices are sampled in supermarkets and other food outlets. The collected samples and the subsequently obtained isolates will be characterised by metagenomics and whole genome sequencing (WGS), respectively, to enable a comparison between culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. The genomic data from this project could be used to better understand the spread of AMR, prevent outbreaks, but also to guide the food industry in improving handling practices and reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Outcomes