Identification of Isolated Antibiotic Resistance Genes Within the Blue Marsh Watershed

Bacteria can be found everywhere. Most bacteria are benign or beneficial, however, some are pathogenic. The threat begins when a pathogen acquires antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop a mechanism to render antibiotics ineffective. When pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria are introduced to an area of high-water usage it poses a public health risk. Watersheds like Blue Marsh are potential reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The primary objective of this project is to determine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant genes in the Blue Marsh reservoir. Three areas within the reservoir serve as sites for analysis of antibiotic-resistant genes. All sites are exposed to agricultural, industrial, or recreational uses making them potential areas where high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens may be found. We analyzed the microbial population within the Blue Marsh watershed. For the analysis, we isolated genomic DNA from sediment samples collected over a period of one year. Isolated genomic DNA was analyzed for antibiotic-resistant genes using PCR techniques. Tetracycline resistant genes were found in several samples. The presence of the antibiotic resistance genes found in the Blue Marsh watershed sediment samples suggests that potential pathogens may be present due to the human action in and around this waterway.

Files

Metadata

Work Title Identification of Isolated Antibiotic Resistance Genes Within the Blue Marsh Watershed
Access
Penn State
Creators
  1. Muskan Khatiwala
Keyword
  1. Antibiotic resistance
  2. PCR
  3. Bacteria
  4. Public health risk
  5. Blue Marsh Watershed
License All rights reserved
Work Type Poster
DOI doi:10.26207/6yn8-p715
Deposited April 24, 2020

Versions

Analytics

Collections

Work History

Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Added Khatiwala_Poster_Berks.pdf
  • Added Creator Muskan Khatiwala
  • Published
  • Updated