Elena conducts research at the University of Galway and Teagasc on PhD project HME-AMR.
Her work focuses on the One Health issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). While antibiotics influence the spread of AMR, agents found in the environment (e.g., biocides & heavy metals) can also facilitate the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes & antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Elena is specifically interested in the role of heavy metals.
Elena’s paper reviewed the evidence regarding the impact of heavy metals as a selective pressure for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the primary food production environment. For this review, she examined 73 studies to identify gaps in knowledge.
The review findings:
- Highlighted a link between heavy metals & AMR in the primary food production environment.
- Showed that heavy metals impacted the abundance & spread of mobile genetic elements & antimicrobial resistance genes.
- Advised on harmonising the methodologies for the analyses of AMR & heavy metal resistance.
Thanks to all co-authors for contributing to this publication:
Anedda, E., Farrell, M. L., Morris, D., & Burgess, C. M. (2023). Evaluating the impact of heavy metals on antimicrobial resistance in the primary food production environment: A scoping review. Environmental Pollution. 320, 121035. DOI:
Read this review article here.
