Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria and Revealing Resistant Genes from Surface Water

Abstract

Objectives: To detect antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) genes and bacteria from surface water in Kathmandu.

Methods: Bacteria were isolated on MacConkey agar and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, further identified by biochemical test. Antibiotic susceptibility tests, and ESBL production was detected following CLSI guidelines. Plasmid was extracted by phenol and chloroform method and bla_TEM, bla_SHV, bla_CTX-M, bla_NDM-1 and bla_OXA-48 genes were amplified by PCR.

Results: Out of 100 isolates of Escherichia coli (60) and Klebsiella spp (40), 15 strains were ESBL producers. Of isolated ESBL positive isolates, total isolated strains were sensitive to imipenem and ofloxacin, whereas, from 85 non ESBL producers, all strains were sensitive to imipenem, ofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone. The most prevalent gene distributed in surface water includes bla_TEM, followed by bla_NDM-1 and bla_CTX-M genes. The combination of bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM (97.7%) was the most prevalent, followed by bla_SHV and bla_TEM (5.4%) genes.

Conclusion: The detection of ESBL positive genes and bacteria in surface water indicates the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. It requires a comprehensive response involving environmental management, public health strategies, policy changes, and global cooperation.