Detection of antibiotic resistant Escherichia Coli in children living in a rural community of Lwamondo Village in Limpopo Provice and their environment

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is found almost in every environment and in the human body. Human-animal-environment interactions may be driving the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, particularly in areas with little restrictions on antibiotic use, widespread food animal production, and free-roaming domestic animals. Children who are exposed to domestic animals and their waste in the home environment are more likely to have intestinal colonisation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this study was to detect the antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli isolates from children less than 5 years old and from their environment. Methods: In this study, a total of 94 samples were collected from children (47 stool samples) and the environment (47 soil samples, in each household where the stool was obtained). Isolation of E. coli was done using standard culture methods on Eosin methylene blue and MacConkey agars. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolates. The DNA of all E. coli isolates was extracted using the boiling method following standard protocols and confirmation of the presence of E. coli and determination of resistant genes was done using PCR. The E. coli isolates were then further tested for phylogenetic grouping using PCR employing three specific genes, namely TspE4c2, yjaA.1 and chuA. Results: The results showed that 216 isolates (117 from stools and 99 from soil samples) were presumptively identified as E. coli. A total of 211 isolates were confirmed as E. coli using PCR. Antibiotic resistance testing showed high resistance to chloramphenicol in soil (50%) and stool samples (41%). A total of 33% (70/94) isolates were positive for blaTEM gene in both soil and stool samples. Phylogroup A was predominant [87%; 65/75] followed by phylogroup D [13%; 10/75], and phylogroup B [1%; 1/75]. Conclusion: The soil environment plays an important role in the transmission of antibiotic resistant E. coli in young children. It is critical to emphasize the need of adhering to proper hygiene standards and the appropriate use of antibiotics.