HAP-E@Hutton
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.
- Faecal indicator organisms - transmission through catchments and interactions with particles
- Source tracking of faecal pollution
- Prevalence and survival of pathogens in the environment: waters, soils, plants, slurries, manures, anaerobic digestate and feedstocks, compost
- Mitigation measures against faecal point source and diffuse pollution from agriculture and human sewage.
- Pathogen removal and survival during anaerobic digestion processes in the UK and Africa.
We are investigating a wide range of pathogenic species; however we have particular interests in E. coli, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Clostridium and Salmonella
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 mechanisms that underpin the interactions between human pathogens and plants?
- What is the likelihood of transmission of human pathogens to crop plants?
- What are the intrinsic biological (genotypic and phenotypic) characteristics influencing bacterial transmission in soil and aquatic systems?
- What are the risks to humans and animals from bacteria entering the food chain via the environment?
- What methodologies can we exploit to detect and differentiate pathogens in the environment?
- How do we address the gaps in our knowledge with respect to pathogen persistence in the environment?
