Molecular Epidemiology and Ecological Investigations to Establish the Interplay Between Human Food Chain and Fungal AMR Transition: A One Health Perspective

• Grant number: 25/00966-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
• Grantee: Ganeshkumar Arumugam
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project), AP.CEPID

Abstract

The rise of antibacterial and antifungal resistance in clinical and non-clinical settings is increasingly recognized as a global crisis, posing significant health and economic challenges. This growing issue impacts the livelihoods of both humans and animals. While many researchers worldwide focus on understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinical contexts, recent attention has shifted to environmental factors as potential contributors. International regulatory agencies are beginning to address AMR transmission across diverse ecosystems, yet studies on f-AMR, particularly in food supply chain, remain limited. Notably, investigations have identified that cattle-related products (such as fresh and processed milk, dairy products, and body parts) and fish-related products are often enriched with pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. However, there is a lack of research on f-AMR transmission within food supply chain. To address these gaps, the present study aims to investigate f-AMR transmission across human food supply chain, primarily through conventional methodologies. Additionally, metagenomic approaches will be employed to unravel the resistome associated within the resistance mechanisms of isolates and their relationships with clinical isolates. Understanding the origins and molecular mechanisms behind antifungal drug resistance will provide critical insights into zoonosis and reverse-zoonosis in One Health perspectives, ultimately contributing to strategies for addressing this global challenge.