Research and analysis

Sampling strategy and assessment options for environmental antimicrobial resistance in airborne microorganisms: summary

Published 22 July 2022

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sampling-strategy-and-assessment-options-for-environmental-antimicrobial-resistance-in-airborne-microorganisms/sampling-strategy-and-assessment-options-for-environmental-antimicrobial-resistance-in-airborne-microorganisms-summary

1. Chief Scientist’s Group report summary

This project reviewed and summarised the available sampling options for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) microorganisms, including their antimicrobial resistance genes, from the atmosphere.

1.1 Background

To date much of the limited work about the sources, distribution, and pathways of AMR in the environment has been gathered from aquatic and/ or terrestrial systems, often neglecting the atmospheric microbiome. Yet there are increasing reports of human infections caused by airborne resistant organisms derived from environmental sources. Sources of these microorganisms are expected to be mainly anthropogenic with some sources (e.g. crop fields) having peak activities in summer or early autumn, while other source activities (e.g. waste sites) will remain more or less constant throughout the year.

1.2 Approach

This review identified and determined suitable bioaerosol sampling approaches for the identification of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in the UK atmosphere. This also includes a set of questions and a decision tree schematic for developing a sample campaign for the detection of airborne AMR microorganisms.

1.3 Results

There is no ideal device for the collection of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms so the type of device needed will depend on the objectives of each particular use. Hence, an optimum sampling strategy will often be to combine at least two different types of sampling instruments. This may include samples captured directly onto growth media or samples taken using high-volume filters.

A method for developing a sampling campaign has been produced where the aim is the detection of airborne microorganisms suspected to contain antimicrobial resistant genes.

1.4 Project details

This summary relates to information from project SC210016/R, reported in detail in the following output:

  • Report: SC210016/R

  • Title: Sampling strategy and assessment options for environmental antimicrobial resistance in airborne microorganisms report

  • Project manager: Dr Wiebke Schmidt, Chief Scientist’s Group

This project was commissioned by the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides scientific knowledge, tools, and techniques to enable us to protect and manage the environment as effectively as possible. The project was funded by the PATH-SAFE programme which has been funded by HMT through the Shared Outcome Fund.

Enquiries: research@environment-agency.gov.uk

© Environment Agency

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