30. Qualitative Analysis of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Tumbling Creek

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has recently seen a rise in interest in the public health and microbiology fields due to their role in inhibiting treatment in major infections. Due to the high usage rates of antibiotics, researchers have begun to find resistant strains of bacteria endemic to their local environments. The goal of this research is to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria that carry the Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase enzyme in a local stream by their genetic sequence. The ESBL enzyme, found within members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, renders many beta lactam-based antibiotics such as penicillin and ampicillin ineffective. To collect data for this research, we isolated individual colonies from multiple stream collections and preformed DNA extraction. Genetic sequencing to correctly identify the bacterial strains will be done off site in future analysis. The stream in question is a tributary of a larger stream that flows directly into Lake Lanier, a large reservoir that is used for recreational and potable water. Examining the presence of these bacteria in local water bodies will give us insight into possible public health issues that may arise on a local or regional level due to this resistance.

Keywords

Bacteria, Antibiotic Resistance, ESBL, Environmental Microbiology, Public Health