Dissertation
Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Escherichia coli in hospitals and the community; a study on the prevalence of ESBL genes
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00427
Abstract
Demonstrating the prevalence of antibiotic resistant (AR) bacteria or multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in the community has generally been based on isolating these bacteria from hospitalized patients which constitute only a small percentage of the bacteria in the community. Thus, AR profiles do not provide a true representation of the existing patterns of AR bacteria in the community. Testing only hospitalised patients may also result in the exclusion of new clones of AR strains which form a small sub-set of bacteria in the wider community. E. coli are part of commensal microbial community of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and warm blooded animals. However, certain E. coli strains are capable of causing intestinal or extraintestinal diseases. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) receive a high proportion of E. coli strains via waste materials from the community. Therefore testing AR E. coli strains from STPs, might offer a reliable approach to evaluate the true rate of AR bacteria in the community. Among the AR E. coli, strains producing extended spectrum of ß- lactamase (ESBL) constitute a major health problem. The presence of such bacteria in the community STPs and the prevalence of their genotypes can serve as an early warning for the spread of ESBL-producing strains. Although it is assumed that AR bacteria are selected or favoured mainly by the use of antibiotics in hospitals, most of the resistant strains found in hospital effluents are those that are already resistant. Thus, the number of AR or MDR bacteria in sewage correlate with the size and the number of hospitals connected to an STP.
Details
- Title
- Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Escherichia coli in hospitals and the community; a study on the prevalence of ESBL genes
- Authors
- Aycan Gundogdu
- Contributors
- Mohammad Katouli (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00427
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448648802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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