Dissertation
Qualitative and quantitative variation in the population structure of pathogenic Escherichia coli in sewage treatment plants
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00434
Abstract
This thesis investigated variations in the population of Escherichia coli in sewage treatment plants (STPs) both qualitatively and quantitatively and evaluated the hypothesis of whether E. coli strains can survive the treatment processes of community STPs including disinfection. The virulence potential of these E. coli strains as well as their phylogenetic groups and antibiotic resistance patterns were also investigated. A collection of 264 E. coli strains from different treatment stages of four activated sludge STPs in Southeast Queensland were typed using a high resolution biochemical fingerprinting method, and compared to identify any strains found throughout the treatment stages of STPs. The results showed that in each STP certain clonal groups of E. coli survived all stages of sewage treatment (including chlorination). Comparisons of these strains among the four STPs showed that some of the clones were found in more than one STP. These strains belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (62%). Representatives of these strains were tested for the presence of 12 virulence genes (VGs) associated with strains causing extraintestinal (ExPEC) and intestinal (IPEC) infections. No strains carried VGs normally found among IPEC strains, whilst 60% of strains carried one or more VGs associated with ExPEC.
Details
- Title
- Qualitative and quantitative variation in the population structure of pathogenic Escherichia coli in sewage treatment plants
- Authors
- Emma M Anastasi
- Contributors
- Mohammad Katouli (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00434
- 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
- 99448944402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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