Jia Yee Ho

• BSc Biomedical Sciences 2+1 NUMed and Newcastle UK
• Presence of Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) Producing E. coli – A pilot study of a Johorian River, South Malaysia

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a global concern. Antibiotic resistance renders treatment against common infectious diseases ineffective. Escherichia coli (E. coli) can produce enzymes including extended-spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs). These enzymes break down structure of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins. Drug-resistant E. coli present in faeces could cause a widespread transmission via river. This preliminary study aims to detect presence of resistant E. coli in Ulu Pulai River, Johor, Malaysia. Results obtained showed presence of various bacteria in the river water sample. These bacteria grew on nutrient agar and HiCrome coliform agar. Disc diffusion (antibiotics- containing paper discs on a plate of bacteria) method tested the susceptibility of isolated E. coli against five antibiotics. These antibiotics have different mechanisms of action. Isolated E. coli were resistant to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin-sulbactam and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Susceptibility was evident towards ceftazidime and cefotaxime. Hence, isolated E. coli can be classed as multidrug-resistant.

 Funding source: NUMed Malaysia

Supervisor: Dr Mukhrizah Othman