Overview
This PhD project investigates antimicrobial use and resistance in Thoroughbred horses, focusing on the breeding sector. Using surveillance data, it aims to enhance stewardship and laboratory diagnostics. The project offers unique interdisciplinary training to tackle a critical One Health challenge.
About this opportunity
PhD Opportunity: Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Thoroughbred Horses
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global One Health challenge. In horses, AMR can compromise treatment success and poses a public health risk, as many equine-associated bacteria are zoonotic. AMR is accelerated by inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU), including overuse and misuse. Promoting responsible AMU and antimicrobial stewardship is essential to preserve drug efficacy.
Recent research has identified higher use of critically important antimicrobials in certain equine populations; particularly young Thoroughbreds, racehorses, and horses treated in hospitals or for urogenital conditions. Specific groups, such as recently hospitalised horses and those on racing yards, also present greater risk for shedding AMR and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our recent European survey of equine veterinarians found increased odds of inappropriate enrofloxacin and ceftiofur use in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding sectors, respectively.
From a laboratory perspective, a lack of harmonisation in bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (C&AST) methods hampers data comparability across diagnostic labs. This limits the utility of surveillance data for monitoring AMR in animals.
Project Overview
This PhD project aims to develop research methods for a comprehensive understanding of AMU and AMR in Thoroughbred horses, particularly in the breeding industry.
Using data from the University of Liverpool’s Equine Veterinary Surveillance Network (EVSNET), the project will analyse electronic health records and diagnostic lab results to assess AMU and AMR patterns. This project will involve the development of large language models that can be used to categorise reproductive and neonatal conditions from free-text clinical records to allow for contextualisation of AMU quantity metrics. The project will evaluate bacterial C&AST methods, analyse AMR patterns from laboratory data submissions, and characterise resistance in selected bacterial isolates using techniques such as MALDI-TOF, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing, and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It will also explore ways to support more judicious AMU through improved methodology standardisation and reporting practices in diagnostic laboratories.
Relevance
The project focuses on Thoroughbred horses in the racing and breeding sectors where AMR poses a significant threat. By accurately measuring AMU and AMR, this research will provide a foundation for monitoring and developing future stewardship interventions.
Location
The student will be based full-time at the Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool. They will join a multidisciplinary team of veterinary surgeons, parasitologists, epidemiologists, and microbiologists, known for its collaborative and supportive research environment.
Applicant Requirements
Funding is only available for UK citizens or those with UK settled or other status which makes them eligible for UK student home fees. An honours degree (or expected degree) in an appropriate subject (e.g., veterinary science, bioveterinary science, biological/medical sciences, microbiology, animal science, data science or a related field) is required; a relevant MSc/MRes is desirable. Ideal for veterinary or biological science graduates with an interest in animal health and data science. Prior research experience is not essential, but enthusiasm for epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship is important. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves working with vets and labs across the UK.
Training
The student will receive comprehensive training in research methods, including data handling, advanced statistics (using R), epidemiology, and machine learning. They will also gain hands-on experience in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) methodologies, including bacterial culture, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and FTIR biotyping for strain characterisation. Training will be delivered through formal postgraduate modules and close supervision by a highly experienced, interdisciplinary team.
Further reading
Allen, S.E., Verheyen, K.L., O’Neill, D.G. and Brodbelt, D.C., 2023. Use of antimicrobials licensed for systemic administration in UK equine practice. Equine Veterinary Journal, 55(5), pp.808-819.
EVSNET https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/evsnet/
Isgren, C.M., Williams, N.J., Fletcher, O.D., Timofte, D., Newton, R.J., Maddox, T.W., Clegg, P.D. and Pinchbeck, G.L., 2022. Antimicrobial resistance in clinical bacterial isolates from horses in the UK. Equine Veterinary Journal, 54(2), pp.390-414.