Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance of Enterococcus in a Queensland Waterway
Author Information
Author(s): IU Rathnayake, Megan Hargreaves, Flavia Huygens
Primary Institution: Queensland University of Technology
Hypothesis
This study investigates the diversity of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in the Coomera River and their associated antibiotic resistance profiles.
Conclusion
The study found a high diversity of Enterococcus genotypes in the Coomera River, with significant antibiotic resistance observed in many strains.
Supporting Evidence
- 81.8% of E. faecalis and 70.21% of E. faecium SNP profiles were associated with antibiotic resistance.
- Gentamicin resistance was higher in E. faecalis, while ciprofloxacin resistance was more common in E. faecium.
- Total enterococcal counts exceeded USEPA recommended levels during rainfall periods.
Takeaway
Scientists studied water from a river in Queensland and found many different types of bacteria that can make people sick, and some of these bacteria are hard to treat with medicine.
Methodology
Water samples were collected from six sites over two years, and SNP genotyping was used to analyze the diversity and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus strains.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling due to environmental factors affecting bacterial counts.
Limitations
The study was limited to specific sampling sites and may not represent the entire watershed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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