KNUST Research Week and Scientific Conference: Empowering Researchers to Achieve Impactful Outcomes

The overuse of antibacterial agents in human and veterinary medicine has led to reduced effectiveness, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global health threat. While high-income countries have established robust antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems, low- and middle-income countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, face significant gaps in monitoring. Coinfections with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) further complicate this challenge.
This project aims to strengthen AMR and NTD management across seven sub-Saharan countries by enhancing local capacity to identify key transmission pathways. Using a One Health approach, researchers from eight participating countries are investigating AMR linkages between humans, animals, and the environment. This includes sampling from various sectors, screening for extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) as well as Carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CREC) and Salmonella. The additional evaluation of hygienic practices will lead to the development of guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), which will be made accessible via a mobile application.

Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of 80 human isolates identified ESBL-EC (58%), CREC (4%), and Salmonella (0%). Among 165 chicken cecal samples, ESBL-EC (87%), CREC (1%), and Salmonella (6%) positive samples were detected. In 70 cattle cecal samples, ESBL-EC (71%), CREC (1%), and Salmonella (7%) positive samples were identified. Sampling of 60 raw vegetables from local markets revealed ESBL-EC (21%), CREC (1%), and Salmonella (11%) positive samples. Out of 45 wastewater samples, results showed positive ESBL-EC (32%), CREC (9%), and Salmonella (42%).

These findings underscore the urgent need for effective AMR surveillance and intervention. Strengthening local capacities through a One Health framework is essential to curbing AMR spread and improving public health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, surveillance, neglected tropical diseases.