Gene sequencing

Gene sequencing

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Researchers at Colorado State University are investigating the weighty topic of antibiotic resistance – an issue with ramifications for global food safety and public health – by tracking the genetic footprints of drug-resistant bacteria. They want to determine where infectious organisms originate and how they move through the food system and environment to people. The study, funded with $2.25 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is one of the largest of its kind and is enabled by recent advances in DNA sequencing technology.

The project is expected to provide insights about the divided topic of antibiotic use in food animals, chiefly beef and dairy cattle, and the degree to which the longstanding agricultural practice contributes to development of “superbugs” that infect people whose illnesses are difficult and expensive to treat.

CSU Research veterinarian Dr. Paul Morley: “ Sometimes we have been able to make progress and the meat safety issues are a good example where using those approaches has allowed us to answer questions satisfactorily and put in prevention and intervention processes to make sure we have a safe and secure food supply. When we are talking about anti-microbial resistance though, that has not been satisfactory despite decades of looking and trying to understand how common agriculture practices, including the use of antimicrobial drugs might affect resistance. We don’t believe that we have achieved a satisfactory answer for ourselves or for the public.” Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics

 

Previous Report Why we hate cheat grass
Next ReportGrain Gauge