Amoebae from Mumbai Creek Harbouring Bacteria with High AMR Risk: IIT Bombay Study
On November 24, 2025, a significant study was released highlighting the presence of free-living amoebae in Vashi Creek, a tidal estuary in Mumbai, which were found to harbour bacteria exhibiting high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This research involved collaboration between scientists from the Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.
Key Findings of the Study
The study revealed that nearly half of the bacteria within the amoebae were resistant to four or more antibiotics. Alarmingly, 22 percent of the samples showed resistance to six or more antibiotics. In stark contrast, only 0.6 percent of samples taken from sediment in the same area exhibited similar levels of resistance.
Amoebae as Vectors for Antimicrobial Resistance
Amoebae, typically known for their role as predators of bacteria, have been identified in this study as potential “sentinel indicators” of AMR. They may serve as early warning systems for detecting emerging resistance threats in the environment. This finding aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) One Health strategy, which aims to create a sustainable balance between human, animal, and ecosystem health.
The Global Health Challenge of AMR
The backdrop of this research is a pressing global health issue. Antimicrobial resistance is directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributes to nearly five million deaths overall. The rise of AMR poses a significant threat to public health, making the findings of this study particularly urgent.
Insights from the Research
Dr. Ronnie Mooney, the lead author from Strathclyde’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasized the implications of these findings. He stated, “Amoebae are abundant in every environment and can act as vectors, transporting clinically relevant bacteria from the environment into high-risk areas such as hospitals or water treatment facilities without being detected.”
Dr. Mooney further explained that amoebae operate as a “microbial Trojan Horse,” providing a protective environment for bacteria to survive, adapt, and enhance their resistance. This revelation raises critical questions about the current surveillance systems in place for monitoring AMR.
Implications for Surveillance Systems
The research team expressed concern that hidden reservoirs of AMR, such as those found in amoebae, are often overlooked by existing monitoring approaches. If these organisms are indeed harbouring highly resistant bacteria, conventional methods may not accurately capture the true scale or distribution of antimicrobial resistance in the environment.
Future Directions
The researchers hope that their findings will encourage environmental agencies, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to enhance their monitoring practices regarding antimicrobial resistance. By recognizing the role of amoebae in the AMR landscape, it may be possible to develop more effective strategies for combating this global health threat.
Conclusion
The study conducted by IIT Bombay and the University of Strathclyde sheds light on the critical role that free-living amoebae play in the ecosystem as potential carriers of multidrug-resistant bacteria. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective public health strategies.
Note: The findings of this study underline the necessity for a comprehensive approach to monitoring antimicrobial resistance, considering all environmental factors and vectors involved.
