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Prevalence of R-plasmids and serotypes in intestinal Escherichia coli
1Department of Microbiology, Government of Medical College, Patiala, India.
Abstract:
A total of 150 strains of E. coli isolated from faecal samples of normal population (Group I), hospital personnel (Group II) and hospitalised patients (Group III) were studied for the transfer of R-plasmids. Auto-transferable R-plasmids were observed in 72.0, 82.0 and 80.0 per cent of groups I, II and III respectively. 77.0 per cent strains were typable. 04 was the most common serotype found in groups I and II, 0134 in group III.
Insights
This study investigated R-plasmid transfer in 150 E. coli strains from different populations. High rates of auto-transferable R-plasmids were found across normal, hospital personnel, and patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) are common bacteria found in the gut.
- R-plasmids carry antibiotic resistance genes and can be transferred between bacteria.
- Understanding R-plasmid transfer is crucial for combating antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and transfer of R-plasmids in E. coli strains.
- To compare R-plasmid carriage in normal populations, hospital personnel, and hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 150 E. coli strains from fecal samples.
- Analysis of auto-transferable R-plasmids within the isolated strains.
- Serotyping of E. coli strains to identify common serotypes.
Main Results:
- Auto-transferable R-plasmids were prevalent, found in 72.0% (Group I), 82.0% (Group II), and 80.0% (Group III) of strains.
- 77.0% of all studied E. coli strains were typable.
- Serotype O4 was most common in normal and hospital personnel groups, while O134 was most common in hospitalized patients.
Conclusions:
- R-plasmid carriage is common in E. coli across diverse populations, including healthy individuals and healthcare settings.
- The high prevalence of auto-transferable R-plasmids highlights a significant mechanism for the spread of antibiotic resistance.
- Specific E. coli serotypes show differential distribution among population groups, potentially indicating distinct epidemiological patterns.