Analysis of ERIC-PCR fingerprints of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in the air of college student’s dormitories

Abstract:

[Objective] To investigate airborne extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection situation in the student dormitory in Chinese university and to analysis genetic similarities between different strains, and then provide a practical basis for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. [Methods] The air samples were collected by FA-1 six-stage microbial samplers in the different traditional student dormitory, E. coli strains were isolated and identified from the air samples, and then the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) fingerprints of ESBLs-producing E. coli were analyzed. [Results] 194 strains of E. coli were isolated from 300 air samples, 30 strains of ESBLs-produing E. coli were founded and the resistant rate was 15.46%. The genetic similarity index of ESBLs-produing E. coli was 50%?100%. [Conclusion] The air in the student dormitory in university was contaminated by ESBLs-producing E. coli. The results stress the need for surveillance of the antibiotics resistance of E. coli in the air.