Isolation and Enumeration of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from impacted urban streams in Hall County, Georgia.

Abstract

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are a group of enzymes that confer resistance to a number of antibiotics, including beta lactams. They are produced by Enterobacteriaceae group of bacteria that are also responsible for several gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections. Therefore these organisms pose both threats and challenges in the administration of appropriate agents to treat infections. The genes for ESBLs are typically found on bacterial plasmids that can easily be transferred between bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae. Water environments such as streams can help the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can originate from a variety of sources, including wastewater treatment plants, agricultural sources, and residential septic tank systems. An ongoing study is currently looking into the isolation and identification of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae from three streams: one in a heavily industrialized area, one with some urban impact and one with very little urban impact. We compared the number and bacterial composition of water among these streams of different quality and found ESBL producing strains in water samples obtained from industrialized areas.