Using our system to mitigate antimicrobial resistance

March 2021

This project is a continuation of preliminary work on the detection times of coloured substrates, which indicate the presence of coliforms and could be significantly improved compared to current selective media solutions/protocols.  The project consists of laboratory testing and a pilot field study in Tanzania.

There were two stages of this project: firstly the development of rigorous bacterial characterisation methodology using known fully characterised environmental and lab reference strains, aligned for low-cost hardware. Secondly, assessment of performance in field condition through the collection and screening of environmental samples working with collaborators in Tanzania, India and the UK.

Results from this project will be incorporated into future designs of low-cost optical systems and has aided in the development of key knowledge, and publication of scientific pacers which are relevant to the diagnostic and microbiology field. The project was also fundamental to strengthening research ties between WaterScope and University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine in order to target funding opportunities in low and middle income countries.