Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in the community: Analysis of persistence and molecular characterization (A Case study on Segamat, Johor)

ESBL-Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are a family of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. A large reservoir of these bacteria live as commensal agents but there are no published community-based studies on ESBL-E in Malaysia. This thesis carries out a longitudinal analysis on ESBL-E carriage on a Malaysian community. It evaluates the potential risk factors, diversity of genes and multi-drug resistance. It also explores the spread of the bacteria by molecular typing. An ancillary pilot study on ESBL-E from a poultry farm investigates any link to the community.