A new report suggests that antibiotic resistant bacteria are increasing in the environment, providing a threat to both human and animal health.

Senior Lecturer from the European Centre, Dr Will Gaze, was co-author of the report that reviewed current knowledge on the occurrence, distribution and ecology of ESBL producing bacteria

Dr Gaze is currently involved in researching the characteristics of bacteria containing ESBLs in aquatic ecosystems, and will be part of a collaborative project that estimates the risk of human exposure to these antibiotic resistant organisms, in bathing waters around England and Wales.

The report was commissioned by the Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) and the Defra Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination (DARC) Group. It highlighted the need for improved monitoring of these bacteria and increased understanding of the way they are transmitted among humans and animals.

The full report can be found here:

www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/ESBL_report.pdf