Adaptation of clinical bacteriology techniques for remote polar research

TL;DR

Researchers adapted clinical bacteriology methods to work in extreme cold, enabling AMR studies in remote polar regions.

Contribution

The study demonstrates practical adaptations for core bacteriology techniques in extreme cold without infrastructure.

Findings

Solar-powered incubators and gas-powered water baths enabled bacterial culture in −21.5 to −41.0°C.

Lateral flow devices detected carbapenemase-producing genes with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Modified centrifuges and DNA extraction kits functioned effectively in extreme cold.

Abstract

Remote polar regions offer unique opportunities and significant challenges for antimicrobial resistance research in a near-pristine environment. While core microbiology techniques continue to have an important role in supporting environmental research, the severe cold climate presents considerable challenges to laboratory research. We explore adaptations required for core bacteriology investigations in polar regions on an unsupported remote expedition c. 600 km north of the Arctic Circle utilizing the National Collection of Type Culture bacterial strains. Methods of culture, microscopy, biochemical and phenotypic testing, vortex, and centrifuge techniques are explored. Across −21.5 to −41.0°C, culture was satisfactorily enabled using a solar-powered USB incubator and an electricity-free water-bath option utilizing white gas for a variety of standard culture media. Microscopy and biochemical tests supported organism identification. Phenotypic testing for carbapenemase-producing genes using lateral flow devices showed good performance without modification (Carba-5, 20/20 carbapenemase-producing organism tests, 100% sensitivity; 100/100 negative targets, 100% specificity). The modified centrifuge was enabled with a 3D printed disk and Dremel drill and microbial DNA extraction (ZymoBIOMICS) kits were able to extract DNA of suitable quality for analysis. With suitable adaptations, conducting core microbiology techniques (with potential relevance for more advanced techniques) is possible in the remote extreme cold environment.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the key global public health threats currently facing humanity. The recent UN High-Level Meeting on AMR highlighted the need for greater knowledge generation on its environmental aspects while also considering the potential adverse effects of climate change. The polar regions of the world offer a unique opportunity for AMR research in a near-pristine environment while also holding the potential for novel resistance mechanisms and/or antimicrobial peptide discovery within melting permafrost or glacial ice. Despite considerable technological advances in microbiology, operating in severe cold environments continues to present significant operational challenges. Our report here offers a basis for adaptations to enable both environmental and clinical antimicrobial resistance, microbiome, and discovery research for operating in the harshest of remote environments.

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