Pulling the plug on antimicrobial resistance

Bacteria and other pathogens are slowly evolving so that drugs such as antibiotics are becoming ineffective at killing them. Predictions show that as many as 10 million people a year could die by the year 2050 if we do not discover new antibiotics we can use to replace these drugs.

We at the University of Plymouth are studying the unique environment of the Roman Baths in Bath, UK, for bacteria and other 'good' microbes that are producing novel antibiotics, with the aim of developing them for use in clinical settings, combatting the threat of AMR.

Since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics have been crucial in treating infections and enabling medical procedures, but a lack of proper regulations around their use is placing their effectiveness at risk, increasing the spread of drug-resistant infections. Without urgent action, even routine medical treatments could become life-threatening.

On this project, researchers are investigating microbial isolates from the Roman Baths to discover new antimicrobial compounds and spread awareness about AMR by engaging directly with the public.

AMR is one of the most pressing global health challenges of the 21st century. Since Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have been essential for treating bacterial infections and enabling life-saving medical procedures such as transplants, surgeries, and childbirth. However, their effectiveness is rapidly diminishing due to widespread overuse and misuse.

Without urgent action, we risk returning to a pre-antibiotic era where even routine medical procedures become life-threatening. Sir Alexander Fleming himself warned of antibiotic resistance as early as the 1940s – a prediction that has now become a grim reality. Yet, despite decades of expert warnings, many countries and industries still lack effective policies to regulate antibiotic use, accelerating the spread of resistant infections.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the drugs designed to eliminate them, posing a severe threat to global health. The problem has been exacerbated by excessive antibiotic misuse and overuse in both healthcare and agriculture.

The research, co-funded by the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, is investigating microbial isolates from The Roman Baths in Bath, UK, to assess their potential against a range of pathogens. Biofilm, sediment, and water samples have been collected from the Great Bath, the King’s Spring, and the connecting channel.

So far, we have tested over 50 bacterial isolates, presumed to belong to the phylum Actinomycetota, against a panel of antibiotic-resistant pathogens known as the ESKAPE pathogens. This internationally recognised group includes bacteria capable of causing life-threatening infections, making the search for effective antimicrobial compounds a global priority.

Encouragingly, our isolates have demonstrated activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, highlighting their potential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.