THE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GENES IN ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM NARMAN LANDFILL (NL) AREA IN ERZURUM, TURKEY

In this study, we aimed to investigate four antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) [β-lactams resistant genes (blaSHV and blaCTX-M), and tetracycline resistant genes (tetA and tetB)] in Escherichia coli isolates by PCR. For this purpose, samples were collected with refuse sampling technique (AKl, AK2, AK3, AK4) from Narman Landfill (NL, Erzurum, Narman) and from surface water of streams (Dl, D2, D3, Nl, N2) and around the natural environment of landfill (Cl, Kl), seasonally. Firstly, we used culture-dependent methods and molecular techniques to detect and quantify antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Escherichia coli. Results showed that tested tetA and tetB genes have been detected in all landfill samples, suggesting that landfill served as ARGs reservoir. tetA was detected from the isolates from stations Kl and D3 in 20l2; tetB were detected from stations Kl and D2 in 20l2 and from D3 in 20l3. blaSHV and blaCTX-M were not detected from any of the stations. Especially, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have been detected in all landfill area (mostly in animal wastes and clinical wastes), and in surface water of streams near the landfill. The main pathways of spread of ARGs', found in and around landfill facilities, are thought to occur through environmental factors like leachate, surface waters and storms. Additional transmission vectors can be considered birds, insects and animals of the local environment.