Exploring Multi-drug Resistance Patterns in Escherichia coli Isolated from the Gut of Healthy Individuals: A Comprehensive Analysis

Mohanapriya  TD; Mohankumar  A; Alice  Peace Selvabai; Perumal  Jayaraman; Priyadarshini  Shanmugam

Mohanapriya TD M.Sc. Integrated Medical Laboratory Technology, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Tamilnadu, India.
Mohankumar A Research scesearch Scholar, Microbiology Department, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu, India.holar
Alice Peace Selvabai Research Scholar, Microbiology Department, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu, India.
Perumal Jayaraman Research Scholar, Microbiology Department, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu, India.
Priyadarshini Shanmugam Professor and Head of Microbiology

Keywords: Escherichia Coli, Multi-Drug Resistance, ESBL, CR

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern that mustbe addressed immediately. To combat antibiotic resistance, we need to understand the origins and transmission of resistant bacteria in both
community and clinical settings. Commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) can operate as resistance gene repositories in the human gut.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of resistance in isolated E.coli from the gut of reportedly healthy individuals, towards commonly used antibiotics.
Methods: E. coli isolates from 100 stool samples were subjected to routine identification and susceptibility testing by the Kirby-Bauer method. The E. coli isolates confirmed by biochemical tests were then
stored for genotypic correlation using the PCR method.
Results: Out of 100 isolates, 18 showed resistance to multiple groups of drugs. Out of this, 15 were found to be Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producers (83%) and 2 were carbapenem-resistant
(CR) (11%). The highest sensitivity was observed to meropenem (98%) followed by imipenem (86%) and gentamicin (86%). It showed highest resistance to ampicillin (36%) and cefazolin (31%). The prevalence of
the TEM gene was higher in ESBL producers (35%) followed by NDM and KPC in CR MDR E. coli (50% each). None of the CR isolates exhibited VIM and IMP genes.
Conclusion: Antibiotic use should be judicious, and modern diagnostic tools should be used to detect MDR isolates early in order to curb the emergence and spread of these bacteria in the gut of healthy individuals.

How to cite this article:
Mohanapriya TD, Mohankumar A, Selvabai AP, Jayaraman P, Shanmugam P. Exploring Multidrug Resistance Patterns in Escherichia coli Isolated from the Gut of Healthy Individuals: A Comprehensive Analysis. J Commun Dis. 2023;55(3):21-27.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202333

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