Abstract
A total of 29 Escherichia coli phages were isolated from wastewater samples collected from an urban wastewater treatment plant and were characterised by host range determination, transmission electron microscopy, antibiotic resistance gene identification and phage transduction. β-Lactam resistance genes (blaCMY, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaOXA) were amplified on phage DNA by PCR. Of nine host range patterns observed, six were able to multiply in three or more indicator strains, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Twelve E. coli phages were able to grow in all four E. coli O157 strains tested. The blaTEM gene was detected in 15 phages, of which 6 were able to transduce blaTEM into E. coli ATCC 13706. These data suggest that phages with broad host range are prevalent in the urban environment and can serve as a natural reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes. These phages can also transfer antibiotic resistance genes via phage transduction and may contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
