On October 26, 2021, Allison Loptakin, assistant professor of biological sciences, published new research in Environmental Science & Technology, titled “Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistant and Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in Reclaimed Wastewaters.” With her co-authors, Loptakin evaluated the annual risks of colonization, skin infection, bloodstream infection (BSI), and disease burden from exposures to antibiotic-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
Using quantitative microbial risk assessment, the researchers investigate the probability of nasal colonization after being immersed in wastewater or greywater. The study determined that the estimated infection risk and disease burdens of nasal colonization is below the health benchmark for risk-based, nonpotable, or potable reuse systems, but potentially above for immersion in minimally treated wastewater or greywater.