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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health challenge that is predicted to cause around 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Global overuse of antibiotics has caused an emergence of bacterial pathogens known as “superbugs.” Infections caused by superbugs are often resistant to existing treatments and, at times, difficult to cure. Tackling AMR will require innovative approaches to develop new antimicrobials to combat these “superbugs.”

The human gut microbiota, a consortium of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live symbiotically in the human intestine, is the first line of defense against pathogens and determines our health outcomes during infection. However, modern lifestyle and widespread overuse of antibiotics has led to an imbalance and loss of protective gut microbes.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Carolina Tropini and Dr. Bruce Vallance, have joined forces to propose an innovative approach to identify therapeutic strategies for AMR. The project team will leverage the use of omics technologies (metabolomics, glycomics and advanced genomics) to understand the complex interactions between microbiota, pathogens and host human cells. This project will develop a platform to uncover the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of the human gut microbiota towards pathogens. The project aims to address a pressing public health challenge by offering a new avenue to combat AMR and make a significant step forward in public health outcomes.