Kwa Yee Chu

• BSc Biomedical Sciences 2+1 NUMed and Newcastle UK
• A Pilot Study on the Identification of Resistant E.coli in a Southern Malaysia River

Escherichia coli (E .coli) is a common Gram-negative bacteria found in river water. E. coli can cause intra-abdominal infections and various other diseases. Resistant bacteria including E. coli produce enzymes that degrade certain antibiotics. This causes the loss of functions of those antibiotics. Rivers and streams could carry antibiotic resistant bacteria providing ease of transmission to humans. One of the aims of this research was to detect the presence of bacteria in the river water samples. Another aim was to determine isolated E. coli antibiotic susceptibility via disk diffusion method. E. coli were present in the river water samples along with other coliforms. The river water samples contained more Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria. E. coli isolated from the river were not Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases producers. They were also not multidrug-resistant. Molecular tests could confirm the species of other bacteria in the river water samples.

Funding source: NUMed Malaysia

Supervisor: Dr Mukhrizah Othman