Description:

Towards Risk Assessment, Monitoring, and Mitigation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Systems

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. As comprehensive strategies for combating its spread are developed, the portion of resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that are flushed to sewage systems cannot be ignored. Here we explore the fate of ARGs in wastewater treatment plants surveyed on three continents to gain insight into the role of socioeconomic factors and treatment processes in governing the fate of ARGs. Further, we consider how molecular monitoring data might be translated into relative risk assessment rankings in order to guide monitoring and prioritize mitigation.

Biography:
Dr. Pruden's research focuses on the application of molecular biological tools to advance understanding of microbiological aspects of water sustainability issues. In particular, the fate and impacts of emerging contaminants and emerging pathogens as they relate to water reuse and water infrastructure are of interest. Much of her recent work is focused on mitigation measures for limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance and opportunistic pathogens, such as Legionnaires’ Disease, via water systems. Pruden is the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering and the Paul L. Busch Award for innovative research related to the water environment. Her work is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Research Foundation Partnership for International Research and Education, the USDA, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, and the Water Research Foundation. She is currently a member of the National Academy of Sciences Study Group on Legionella and an Associate Editor for the journal Environmental Science and Technology.