Mountain Top University Library

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a significant global public health concern, posing a substantial threat to the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. Escherichia coli, a commonly found bacterium in various environments, has become a focal point in studying antibiotic resistance due to its widespread presence and ability to acquire and disseminate resistance genes. This study aimed to
investigate the antibiotic resistance patterns and plasmid profiles of E. coli isolates to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying resistance dissemination. A collection of 15 E. coli isolates was obtained from Molecular Epidemiology laboratory of the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
was performed using the disk diffusion method against a panel of commonly prescribed antibiotics representing different classes. The plasmid DNA was extracted, and plasmid profiles were determined through agarose gel electrophoresis. The results revealed varying degrees of antibiotic resistance among the E. coli isolates, with resistance being most pronounced against certain classes
of antibiotics such as beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones. The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates from different sources. The presence of diverse plasmids suggests the role of horizontal gene transfer in disseminating antibiotic resistance genes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for designing effective
strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance. Further research is warranted to characterize the specific resistance genes carried by these plasmids and to explore their potential transfer to other bacterial species. Addressing antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach involving prudent antibiotic use, surveillance, and innovative therapeutic interventions.Key words: Antibiotic sensitivity, E. coli, plasmid profiling