Study at the University of Kerbala Reveals Molecular Characterization of E. coli Bacteria
A master’s thesis at the College of Science, University of Kerbala, investigated the molecular characterization of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections and river water.
The study, presented by postgraduate student Asya Jawad Karim from the Department of Life Sciences, aimed to examine the bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics, identify the genes responsible for this resistance, and evaluate their biofilm production capacity and its impact on the environment and human health.
The research involved collecting samples from children with urinary tract infections and from river water to assess antibiotic resistance patterns and resistance-related genes. The findings revealed that specific strains of E. coli were responsible for causing urinary tract infections.
The study recommended employing advanced molecular techniques for bacterial detection and treatment. It also emphasized the importance of using bacterial indicators to identify pollution sources and called for expanding research to include other water bodies for a broader understanding of bacterial spread.
