Our study examined the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, specifically β-lactamase genes, in the UAE's marine environment, with serious consequences for environmental safety and public health. Samples of water and sediment from various coastal locations were collected and then analysed molecularly to determine if they contained E. coli and resistance genes.

Although live bacteria couldn't be cultured from the water samples, DNA tests found evidence of the presence of important resistance genes:

• blaNDM-5
• blaTEM-1
• blaSHV-16
• blaOXA-48

Some of these genes are capable of rendering even carbapenems—also called last-resort antibiotics—ineffective.

E. coli isolates from soil were found to have β-lactamase genes through PCR and showed high rates of resistance against:

• Third-generation cephalosporins like cefotaxime and ceftazidime
• Aztreonam
• Ampicillin
• Aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin

Antibiotic sensitivity tests confirmed that not only are these genes present but are also potentially active. The study highlights how resistance is spreading beyond hospitals into the natural environment, driven by human activity. It demands enhanced monitoring and a concerted use of molecular and traditional testing to truly understand and contain the spread of these dangerous genes.

Graph 1: Showing the Zones of Inhibition

Graph 2: Showing PCR Results for β-Lactamase Genes

Mr. Alvin Jacob George and Mr. Jeremiah Thomas Jaison (Students) MSc
SOLS MAHE Dubai