Horizontal Gene Transfer of ESBL Genes in Biofilms on Indwelling Medical Devices

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Appendix Contribution of Roles The following outlines the specific contributions of each individual involved in the project: • Ghadir Matarik: ✓ Conducted biofilm formation assays and conjugation experiments. ✓ Performed DNA extraction for downstream analyses. ✓ Participated in sample extraction, library preparation, and quality control for Nanopore sequencing. • Processes carried out with assistance and under supervision: ✓ Performed the Nanopore sequencing step, including sequencing run and initial data acquisition. ✓ Conducted the bioinformatics analyses, including raw data processing, assembly, and interpretation. Decleration statement I, Ghadir Matarik, hereby declare that this thesis titled “Horizontal Gene Transfer of ESBL Genes in Biofilms on Indwelling Medical Devices” is my original work and has been completed independently. I confirm that all sources used in this work have been properly cited and referenced. I understand that plagiarism, including the use of uncredited sources, copying, or unauthorized collaboration, is a serious academic offense. I also confirm that this thesis has not been submitted elsewhere for academic credit. Furthermore, I acknowledge that this work may be subject to plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin) to verify its originality.(755.83 KB)
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly due to plasmid-borne ESBL genes, poses a global health threat. Indwelling medical devices promote bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, facilitating horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of resistance genes. This study examined plasmid conjugation on Tiemann catheters, Foley balloon catheters, and endotracheal tubes using a CTX-M-55-producing E. coli donor and rifampicin-resistant J53 recipient. Colonization and conjugation were assessed via quantitative plating and ImageJ analysis, and transconjugants were confirmed by whole-genome sequencing. Conjugation frequencies varied by device, with significantly higher transfer observed on Tiemann catheters compared to ETTs (p = 0.0076). These findings suggest that indwelling devices not only harbor MDR bacteria but actively promote resistance gene dissemination, underscoring their role as AMR reservoirs in clinical settings.

Leírás
Kulcsszavak
Antimicrobial resistance, ESBL genes, Horizontal gene transfer, Plasmids
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Hivatkozás
https://hdl.handle.net/2437/390975
Gyűjtemények
Theses (Faculty of Medicine)