The core research group in the Centre for Human and Animal Pathogens in the Environment (HAP-E) at the James Hutton Institute studies the following pathogen-environment systems:
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT -
PRESENCE AND SURVIVAL OF FAECAL INDICATORS AND PATHOGENS
We consider: prevalence, transmission, source tracking, detection, removal, solutions
We work on: Drinking water, wastewater, environmental waters, sediment, soil, compost, digestate
We use: microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, modelling, risk assessment, social science
HAP-E acts as a hub through which we link with associate members from other research institutions and with national and international collaborators to provide a critical mass of knowledge and expertise in the field of environment-associated pathogens. Through shared research platforms, resources, approaches, and ideas, we are able to address key fundamental questions on human and animal pathogens in the environment.
Key questions
What are the intrinsic biological (genotypic and phenotypic) characteristics influencing bacterial transmission in soil and aquatic systems?
What role does the environment play in transmission and development of antimicrobial resistance?
What are the risks to humans and animals from bacteria entering the food chain via the environment?
What is the likelihood of transmission of human pathogens to crop plants?
How do microbial emerging contaminants (novel pathogens, AMR) interact with chemical contaminants (e.g. microplastics, pharmaceuticals)?
How do we address the gaps in our knowledge with respect to AMR and pathogen persistence in the environment?