Identification and characterization of colistin-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from Lower Himalayan Region of India

Abstract Multidrug resistance is one of the worldwide public health concerns. Water represents most suitable environment, for exchange antibiotic genes among pathogenic to non-pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, we aimed screen presence bla NDM-1 , TEM SHV CTX-M and mcr1–5 water samples from different locations Lower Himachal Pradesh. We examined genotypic incidences CTXM by polymerase chain reaction. Survivability assay, fitness cost assay biofilm were performed phenotypic characterization. The its related variants analysed confirmed sequencing-based approaches. A total 73 bacterial strains identified on M-lauryl sulphate agar medium. Out colistin-resistant isolates, 34 E. coli 39 K. pneumoniae . samples, 2 (5.8%), 5 (14.7%), (14.7%) 4 (11.76%) SHV, CTXM-1 CTXM-2 CTXM-15 positive, respectively. Among K 15 (38.4%), 6 (15.3%), 10 (25.6%), 9 (23.07%) (25.6%) Interestingly, observed (HG4) isolate with both mcr-1 gene. Further analysis showed HG4 has lesser survivability cotton swab, long lag phase less production compared colistin-sensitive isolates. Detection in this geographical region an alarming signal tourists, community, workers policymakers. Hence, it utmost important take appropriate measures control dissemination gene such pristine locations.