Diverse and abundant multi-drug resistant E. coli in Matang mangrove estuaries, Malaysia.
E.coli, an important vector distributing antimicrobial resistance in the environment, was found to be multi-drug resistant, abundant, and genetically diverse in the Matang mangrove estuaries, Malaysia. One-third (34%) of the estuarine E. coli was multi-drug resistant. The highest antibiotic resistance prevalence was observed for aminoglycosides (83%) and beta-lactams (37%). Phylogenetic groups A and B1, being the most predominant E. coli, demonstrated the highest antibiotic resistant level and prevalence of integrons (integron I, 21%; integron II, 3%). Detection of phylogenetic group B23 downstream of fishing villages indicates human fecal contamination as a source of E. coli pollution. Enteroaggregative E. coli (1%) were also detected immediately downstream of the fishing village. The results indicated multi-drug resistance among E. coli circulating in Matang estuaries, which could be reflective of anthropogenic activities and aggravated by bacterial and antibiotic discharges from village lack of a sewerage system, aquaculture farms and upstream animal husbandry.
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Aziz
A
Ghaderpour
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Wing Sze
WS
Ho
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Li-Lee
LL
Chew
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Chui Wei
CW
Bong
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ving Ching
VC
Chong
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kwai-Lin
KL
Thong
Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Lay Ching
LC
Chai
E. coli; Matang mangrove estuaries; antibiotic resistance; phylogenetic groups