Master’s Thesis at the University of Basrah Examines Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli

A master’s thesis at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, studied the increasing resistance of Escherichia coli to the antibiotic colistin and other antimicrobials.

The thesis, submitted by researcher Maryam Essam Abdullah, aimed to evaluate resistance rates to colistin and identify resistance patterns by detecting associated genes such as mcr-3, blaCTX-M-1, and blaTEM.

After analyzing human, animal, and environmental samples, the study concluded that alarming levels of resistance exist, with a potential for resistance genes to be transferred between humans, animals, and the environment.

The thesis recommended the activation of resistance monitoring programs and the rational use of antibiotics in both veterinary and medical sectors.

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