Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
08:58

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Published on: March 3, 2023

[Multiresistant Escherichia coli from elderly patients]

I Slucky-Shraga1, M Wolk, S Volis

  • 1Dept. of Medicine and Microbiology Laboratory, Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital, Bnei Brak.

Harefuah
|September 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases were identified in elderly, nursing home residents. These isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics but remained susceptible to carbapenems like imipenem and meropenem.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Ceftriaxone resistance in Escherichia coli is a growing concern in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding resistance patterns is crucial for effective patient treatment and infection control.

Observation:

  • A study identified 97 ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli isolates from 36 patients over 16 months.
  • Most affected patients were elderly (over 75 years), residing in nursing homes, and had comorbidities like incontinence or catheter use.

Findings:

  • All isolates exhibited extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production.
  • Resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, and cephalosporins (except ceftazidime and cefepime with decreased susceptibility).
  • All strains remained susceptible to carbapenems, specifically imipenem and meropenem.

Implications:

  • The emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli poses a significant challenge for treating infections in vulnerable populations.
  • Carbapenems remain a viable treatment option for infections caused by these multidrug-resistant strains.
  • Surveillance and infection control measures are critical in nursing home settings to limit the spread of resistant bacteria.

More Related Videos

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing09:44

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

Published on: December 23, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...