Examining the Role of Bacteriophages in Mediating Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer in Fresh Water Systems
This project studies the antibiotic resistance profile of coliform bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli, from three separate waterways: sewage, the Fox River, and the Pewaukee Lake. Our study will begin by quantifying the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria found in these waterways. E. coli colonies will then be isolated in order to characterize their resistance profiles to several antimicrobial agents. Finally, we will determine if certain genes associated with β-lactam resistance are present in these E. coli isolates.