Transfer and expression of plasmid from antibiotic resistance bacteria

The ubiquitous nature of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among environmental pathogens from a variety of sources such as air and water suggests that the aquatic environment, and specifically alternative water treatment systems, may act as reservoirs for drug resistant bacteria and ARGs, thereby contributing to the widespread dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Water is considered an important medium for transfer of resistance genes and resistant bacteria to the broader environment. The book describes the isolation of antibiotic resistance bacteria from different natural sources i.e. soil and water and expression of the isolated plasmid DNAs into suitable host. The bacteria isolated were multi drug resistant (MDR) to three antibiotics i.e. chloramphenicol, erythromycin and tetracycline. The ubiquitous nature of MDR in soil and water, the presence of diverse ARGs of human health significance, as well as the transfer of resistance determinants through conjugative plasmids to recipient bacteria, suggests that environmental exposure through contact or consumption with contaminated water is probable.