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ANTlMICROBlAL SUSCEPTIRILITY AND PLASMIDS FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM RATS
Abstract
Objectives: To determine if antimicrobial resistance occurs in E. coli isolated from rats and
if this resistance is transferable via plasmids.
Methods: Sixty Escherichia coli isolates obtained from 215 rats trapped in and around
Nairobi, Kenya, were analysed for antimicrobial susceptibility to eleven commonly used
antimicrobials. Piasmid DNA analysis and in-vitro conjugation tests were conducted on
twenty two resistant isolates.
Results: A total of 12 (20%) E. coli were resistant to at least one of the commonly used drugs
including ampicillin, sulphamethoxazole and streptomycin. Eight (13.3 %) isolates were multidrug
resistant. The drug resistant E. coli fell into five plasmid profie groups with plasmids
ranging between two and 98 megadaltons (Mda). Resistance to ampicillin was transferable.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that rats from the study area may form an
important reservoir for drug-resistant E. coli that could pose a public health hazard.
if this resistance is transferable via plasmids.
Methods: Sixty Escherichia coli isolates obtained from 215 rats trapped in and around
Nairobi, Kenya, were analysed for antimicrobial susceptibility to eleven commonly used
antimicrobials. Piasmid DNA analysis and in-vitro conjugation tests were conducted on
twenty two resistant isolates.
Results: A total of 12 (20%) E. coli were resistant to at least one of the commonly used drugs
including ampicillin, sulphamethoxazole and streptomycin. Eight (13.3 %) isolates were multidrug
resistant. The drug resistant E. coli fell into five plasmid profie groups with plasmids
ranging between two and 98 megadaltons (Mda). Resistance to ampicillin was transferable.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that rats from the study area may form an
important reservoir for drug-resistant E. coli that could pose a public health hazard.
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