Infection Inspection: using the power of citizen science for image-based prediction of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli treated with ciprofloxacin

The Infection Inspection project, conducted between February and April 2023, used citizen science and image feature analysis to profile cellular features associated with antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. 5273 volunteers classified single-cell images from five strains, labeling them as antibiotic-sensitive or resistant. User accuracy was lower than the deep learning model’s, but more accurate when treating cells at concentrations greater than the strain’s minimum inhibitory concentration. This study demonstrates the potential for public participation in research and increasing awareness of antibiotic resistance.