PROJECT REHAB

River Ecological Health Assessment using Biomonitoring tools

Project REHAB investigates the occurence of antimicrobial resistance in the Butuanon river which is a major river system in Metro Cebu. The project aims to develop models and web application to monitor the distribution of antimicrobial-resistance bacteria and bioindicator species for the local government to effectively formulate policies towards the attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Read more about UN Sustainable Development here:

WHAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE?

Global health threat where microbes acquire resistance to antimicrobial products

By 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will result in approximately 10 million deaths and infections, 75% annual decline in livestock, and 28 million people in poverty.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929930/

Rivers as reservoirs of AMR bacteria and genes

Wastes from residential, agricultural, industrial, and medical areas flow towards rivers through runoffs and effluents. As a result, rivers become breeding grounds for antimicrobial resistant bacteria to thrive and reproduce.

WHY SHOULD WE MONITOR AMR SPREAD IN RIVERS?

Assess the ecological health of the river

Monitoring AMR spread in rivers is crucial to assess the impact of antimicrobial resistant bacteria on the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Tracking AMR in rivers helps in identifying sources of contamination and implementing measures to prevent the further spread of resistant bacteria, safeguarding both environmental and human well-being.

Determine the habitat suitability of microbes for the emergence of AMR

By studying the microbial environments where AMR is likely to emerge, we can pinpoint potential hotspots and focus our interventions to prevent the spread of resistant strains. This analysis not only enhances surveillance efforts by targeting high-risk areas but also allows for the implementation of timely interventions to curb the emergence of AMR.

Serves as an early warning system for disease outbreaks

By monitoring the spread of AMR in rivers, we can detect early signs of resistant bacteria that may lead to disease outbreaks. This surveillance not only provides a critical warning signal for communities at risk but also enables timely public heallth interventions to limit the spread of diseases that are difficult to treat. This allows us to anticipate and rspond to emerging health threats before they escalate.

PROJECT AIMS

Determine occurrence and trends of AMR in river ecosystems

The project aims to assess the presence of antimocribial-resistant bacteria in the Butuanon River, examine how biotic and abiotic indicators of water quality vary across space and time, and understand how these indicators relate to AMR occurrence.

Develop predictive ecological models

The project aims to build ecological niche and distribution models for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to monitor, assess, and forecast where and when AMR is likely to emerge or increase.

Create a web-based platform for data sharing and decision support

The project aims to develop an interactive web application that enables stakeholders, researchers, and the public to access, visualize, and interpret data on AMR occurrence and prediction models, empowering evidence‐based interventions.

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

University of the Philippines Cebu

FUNDING AGENCIES

Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST – PCIEERD)