Analysis of the presence of the bla_CTX-M genes in Escherichia coli isolated from downstream of the Bekasi River

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat caused by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), such as blaCTX-M. The blaCTX-M is one of the most common ARGs that confers cephalosporin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the presence of the blaCTX-M in E. coli isolated from downstream of the Bekasi River. The results of this study provided some information on AMR in reservoir environmental bacteria. This study used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA and gel electrophoresis to visualize the target genes. The results are downstream of the Bekasi River had an average concentration of non-selective E. coli (2,3 ± 0,4) × 104 CFU/100mL and the average concentration of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli (2,1 ± 0,6) × 103 CFU/100 mL. The ratio of antibiotic-resistant E. coli to non-selective E. coli was 9.4%. The blaCTX-M genes were detected in 80% of E. coli isolates, with blaCTX-M group 1 genes predominating, which includes the blaCTX-M -1, blaCTX-M-3, and blaCTX-M-15 genes.