The stability of antibiotics plays an important role in the development of antibiotic resistance. This characteristic has not been considered in the selection of antibiotics for livestock farming until now. Stable antibiotics break down slowly and leave residues in the environment of chickens for a long time. This leads to an increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. The findings of this research can contribute to new guidelines that more effectively counteract the development of resistant bacteria. On 20 February 2025, Aram Swinkels successfully defended his PhD from Utrecht University.

Read the dissertation: The impact of antimicrobial persistence and co-selection on resistance.

Read more about this project: Antimicrobial resistance in relation to the persistence of antimicrobial residues after treatment of farm animals: input for risk management (RESRISK).