Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2010TX359B

Anthropogenic Influence on Tetracycline Resistance in a Rapidly Urbanizing Texas Stream

Institute: Texas
Year Established: 2010 Start Date: 2010-03-01 End Date: 2011-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,000

Principal Investigators: Bailey Sullivan, R Karhikeyan

Abstract: The use of antibiotics in the medical field has led to the control of most bacterial diseases, unfortunately that ability has deteriorated due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment and lead to increase in disease and death. Therefore it is important to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance. The goal of my doctoral research is to study the occurrence, prevalence, and fate of tetracycline resistant bacteria in a rapidly urbanizing Texas stream. The initial findings of my research showed that tetracycline resistant genes (TRGs) are present in a Central Texas watershed and there is a correlation between human activates, environmental media, and seasons on the occurrence and prevalence of TRGs. In the proposed research, I will sequence resistant isolates and determine the dominant tetracycline resistant species and if the TRGs are carried on conjugable plasmids. Finally, I will determine the effects of nutrients, tetracycline, and heavy metals on the kinetics of tetracycline resistant genes in water. Results from this research will help us better understand the fate of TRGs in the watershed and provide insights into possible management practices to minimize the spread of TRGs in surface waters.