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ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG BACTERIA NEAR SEWAGE OUTFALLS IN BERMUDA

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Date Issued:
2015
Abstract/Description:
Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is a portentous global concern, which threatens the ability of medical professionals to successfully treat bacterial infections. In Bermuda, there is no wastewater treatment plant; therefore, about 4.3x106 L per day of untreated sewage is released into the ocean through two marine outfalls. Water samples were collected from 12 sample sites (outfalls, offshore sites, and onshore beach sites near the outfalls) over 4 sampling events between August and October, 2013. Water samples were analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility of each purified isolate was tested and classified using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of at least one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolate. Documentation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Bermudian waters supports the need for improved sewage treatment to ensure safe recreational use of these areas.
Title: ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG BACTERIA NEAR SEWAGE OUTFALLS IN BERMUDA.
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Name(s): Alker, Amanda , author
Moore, Jon A. , Thesis advisor
Voss, Joshua D. , Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2015
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: online resource
Extent: 47 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is a portentous global concern, which threatens the ability of medical professionals to successfully treat bacterial infections. In Bermuda, there is no wastewater treatment plant; therefore, about 4.3x106 L per day of untreated sewage is released into the ocean through two marine outfalls. Water samples were collected from 12 sample sites (outfalls, offshore sites, and onshore beach sites near the outfalls) over 4 sampling events between August and October, 2013. Water samples were analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility of each purified isolate was tested and classified using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of at least one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolate. Documentation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Bermudian waters supports the need for improved sewage treatment to ensure safe recreational use of these areas.
Identifier: FA00013646 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2015.
Collection: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013646
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU

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