SURVEILLANCE OF ANTI-BIOTIC RESISTANT E. COLI IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rodshaped, coliform bacterium of the genus E. coli. It is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals and expelled into the environment within fecal matter and can cause serious food poisoning in their hosts. Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli confer resistance to most beta-lactam antibiotics, including third and fourth generation cephalosporins. It severely limits treatment possibilities for infections caused by these bacteria. The objective of this study was the Isolation and Identification of ESBL producing E. coli from the various water streams and to assess the prevalence of ESBL producing E. coli in the environment. For this purpose, samples were collected from various upstream and downstream locations of Islamabad. Spread plate and streak plate methods and different biochemical tests including; Indole test, Methyl Red test, VogesProskauer test, Simmon Citrate test and Triple Sugar Iron test were performed for the identification and confirmation of E. coli. Double disc synergy test and double disc diffusion test were performed for the confirmation of ESBL producing E. coli. The results show that ESBL E. coli was identified in Bharakahu downstream and its wet market, Korang stream G-6 and its wet market, I-9 waste water treatment plant and from Lai stream. No E. coli and ESBL E. coli were detected in the water samples of Sangrilla park upstream and Shahdara upstream. All of the samples were found positive for E. coli in Bharakahu downstream and 71% samples were found positive for E. coli in Bharakahu wet market and all of the samples were found positive for ESBL E.coli and 85 percent samples were found positive in Bharakahu wet market and all samples were found positive for E. coli in Korang G-6 aand 70 percent samples were positive for E. coli in Korang G-6 wet market. Similarly, in I-9 waste water treatment plant all of the samples were positive for E. coli and 100% for ESBL E. coli. All of the samples of Lai stream were positive for E. coli and ESBL E. coli in the collected samples. Antibiotics FEP 30 (Cefepime) and CRO 30 (Ceftriaxone) were producing more synergistic effect towards AMC 30 (Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid) by giving zone of inhibition towards AMC 30 (Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid), whileCAZ 30 (Ceftazidime) has produced very little zone of inhibition. The remaining two CFM 5 (Cefixime) and ATM 30 (Aztreonam) are unable to give any zone of inhibition towards AMC 30 (Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid) which shows the synergistic effect of different antibiotics used in this study. The result show high prevalence of antibiotic resistant E. coli in environment.