Tracking antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food in Pennsylvania
Official title: Pennsylvania Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistant-enteric Bacteria in Retail Food
Funded at Pennsylvania State Dept of Health · NIH-10899464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at harmful bacteria in food, like Salmonella in chicken and Acinetobacter in shrimp, to help keep our food safe and protect our health by tracking how these germs behave and sharing important information between food producers and health experts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Dept of Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harrisburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01FD007142-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume retail food products, particularly those at risk for foodborne illnesses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume retail food or are not at risk for foodborne infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on monitoring antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria found in retail food products, such as Salmonella in poultry and Acinetobacter in shrimp. By participating in the National Antimicrobial Monitoring System, the project aims to enhance food safety through improved surveillance and data sharing between food sources and human health. Whole genome sequencing will be utilized to compare bacteria from food samples with those isolated from patients, aiding in outbreak investigations and regulatory oversight. The ultimate goal is to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and improve public health outcomes related to foodborne illnesses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved food safety and reduced incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections in the community.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using genomic surveillance to track antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Dept of Health
Harrisburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: M'ikanatha, Nkuchia Mugambi — Pennsylvania State Dept of Health
- Study coordinator: M'ikanatha, Nkuchia Mugambi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.