With the exception of identification of CCPs, all of the project objectives were achieved, as follows:

·         Tools and protocols for identifying and characterising antibiotic resistance in SEA aquaculture were developed. Six SOPs were developed and validated for collection of samples from aquaculture environments, isolation and preservation of chloramphenicol-resistant bacterial isolates, assessment of resistance level, assessment of the extent of resistance (to multiple antibiotics), resistance plasmid preparation and bacterial conjugation assays.  A collection of 558 antibiotic resistant isolates was made from aquaculture sites in three SEA countries, all identified to family level and 95% to genus level, and archived for future research.  An internet-based interactive database containing detailed data on aquaculture sampling sites and on bacterial isolates obtained from them was developed, and serves as a model for others to use in control campaigns.

·         New knowledge (see the result database) of antibiotic resistance in SEA aquaculture was generated. This includes insights into the nature and extent of antibiotic resistance, which appears to be significant and widespread, and its ability to transfer between bacterial strains. The nature of the commonest resistance determinants was described.  

·         Increased awareness and understanding of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in SEA aquaculture was achieved through an international workshop organised by the project in Chiang Mai, Thailand in February 1995, which was attended by approximately 50 scientists, technologists and decision- makers  from across SEA   In addition, a project website makes available or promulgates the important outputs. 

·         The website, which will be maintained beyond the project, and the workshop ensure that in future there will be an increased ability to monitor and control antibiotic resistance in SEA aquaculture systems.

Download the extract of  the final report

Download the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
 

Enter the RESULT DATABASE

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Last updated (dd/mm/yy) 07-feb-2006.