DisPersal of AntIbiotic Resistance and antibiotics in Water ecosystems and Influence on liveStock and aquatic wildlifE (PAIRWISE)

PAIRWISE aim to advance knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a pollution in aquatic environments, wildlife, and livestock.

PAIRWISE focuses on dispersal and dynamics of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and antibiotics (ATB) in aquatic environments affected by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

Overall goals are to understand: i) dispersal of ARB, ARG and ATB in surface waters downstream of WWTPs, ii) carriage of ARB and ARG in livestock linked to surface waters influenced by WWTPs, iii) role of aquatic birds in dispersal of  ARB and ARG.

Issues from the JPI call tackled by PAIRWISE include, but are not limited to: entry points and fate of ARB, ARG and ATB; identification of ARGs and ARB useful as indicators; providing insight to fate and transport of ARB, ARG and ATB to within and from aquatic ecosystems; and the role of aquatic birds in such events.PAIRWISE will assess the influence of AMR in agricultural settings and improve understanding of the dissemination and sustainment of AMR in the interface between humans, wildlife, and livestock with a One Health perspective.

It will provide vital knowledge for policy makers and end-users, facilitating informed decisions on mitigation strategies.The consortium consists of 7 partners from 5 countries and 2 continents forming an multidisciplinary team.

PAIRWISE is of relevance to the JPI call by addressing ‘Measuring’ themes 1.1 and 1.2 as well as ‘Evaluating’ themes 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.