“We selected the models based on their strengths in handling biological and imbalanced data,” Dr. Vital explained. “These models were chosen to compare performance across different learning strategies and to identify which is most suitable for predicting antibiotic resistance.”

The AI models used were Random Forest (RF), which is well-suited for high-dimensional data; Support Vector Machine (SVM), which excels in classification tasks, particularly when dealing with complex decision boundaries; and two ensemble methods—Adaptive Boosting (AB) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB)—which enhance accuracy by focusing on hard-to-classify samples.

These AI prediction models most accurately predicted resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline, showing high accuracy and reliably distinguishing resistant strains from susceptible ones. On the other hand, ciprofloxacin was the most challenging to predict due to the limited number of resistant samples in the data (only 4%), which led to difficulty in identifying resistance and poor sensitivity. Among the models, AB and XGB consistently delivered good results, even when tested on imbalanced antimicrobial resistance data.

“We think that this strategy has great potential for real-time monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in agriculture.” Dr. Vital said, emphasizing the potential use of AI prediction models in the sector. “As DNA sequencing becomes faster and cheaper, prediction models such as ours can pick up resistant bacteria early—before they lead to outbreaks. This can facilitate better decision-making in food safety, agriculture, and public health programs.”

The researchers recommend including more diverse sample types and data sources—such as metagenomic data, which is DNA from all microbes in a sample—to better understand and predict how bacteria develop resistance.

Dr. Vital also highlighted the value of collaboration between fields—like how microbiologists and statisticians worked together in this study. “More so, the integration of (micro)biological concepts to statistics and predictive modelling to have an impactful result/outcome to the community, in this instance, agricultural food safety.” she said.

The study, titled “Prediction models for antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in an agricultural setting around Metro Manila, Philippines,” was published in the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that serves as a platform for scientific communication among researchers and academics working with microbes and microbial products. It was also funded by NSRI and the Department of Science and Technology’s Grant to Outstanding Achievements in Science and Technology through the National Academy of Science and Technology.

References:

Lopez, M. C. D. P., Lansangan, J. R. G., & Vital, P. G. (2025). Prediction models for antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in an agricultural setting around Metro Manila, Philippines. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.21161/mjm.240650