EFFECT OF SPECIES ON THE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILE OF .

BACKGROUND

Infectious diseases due to antibiotic resistant pathogens are a global public health problem. This study aimed at determining the potential effect of bacterial-fungal interaction on the antibiotic susceptibility profile of

MATERIALS AND METHODS

was isolated from water samples. The isolate was identified using the conventional biochemical tests and the 16S rRNA molecular sequencing technique. Additionally, species was isolated and identified based on colony morphological characteristics and microscopic features. Standardized isolates were co-cultured in broth medium. Antibiotic susceptibility evaluation of the from the co-culture and the original was carried out using the Kirby bauer disk diffusion method.

RESULTS

The antibiotic susceptibility profile of before and after co-culture remained largely unchanged except in the case of chloramphenicol, where the isolate showed reduced susceptibility. Molecular analysis of resistance gene revealed the absence of tested gene encoding antibiotic resistance, including the streptomycin resistance (str) genes ( and ) and the erythromycin resistance methylase () gene.

CONCLUSION

The result of this study showed that there is a minimal influence of cultures on the susceptibility of . Further research involving a wide spectrum of microorganisms and their interactions should be conducted to acquire a thorough understanding of the influence of microbial interactions on antibiotic susceptibility profiles in order to pave way for novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.