Analysis of the presence of the bla_{CTX- M} genes in Escherichia coli isolated from downstream of the Bekasi River

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat caused by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), such as bla(CTX-M). The bla(CTX-M) is one of the most common ARGs that confers cephalosporin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the presence of the bla(CTX- M) in E. coli isolated from downstream of the Bekasi River. The results of this study provided some information on AMR in reservoir environmental bacteria. This study used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA and gel electrophoresis to visualize the target genes. The results are downstream of the Bekasi River had an average concentration of non-selective E. coli (2,3 +/- 0,4) x 10(4) CFU/100mL and the average concentration of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli (2,1 +/- 0,6) x 10(3) CFU/100 mL. The ratio of antibiotic-resistant E. coli to non-selective E. coli was 9.4%. The bla(CTX-M) genes were detected in 80% of E. coli isolates, with bla(CTX-M) group 1 genes predominating, which includes the bla(CTX-M) (-1), bla(CTX-M-3), and bla(CTX-M-15) genes.