A master’s thesis at the College of Science, University of Karbala, presented by Asia Jawad Karim from the Department of Life Sciences, investigated the molecular characterization of coliform bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and river water. The study aimed to examine bacterial antibiotic resistance, the genes responsible for resistance, and the bacteria’s ability to form biofilms and their impact on both the environment and human health.

The research involved collecting urine samples from children suffering from UTIs, as well as river water samples, to assess bacterial resistance to antibiotics and identify resistance genes.

Findings revealed that Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common cause of UTIs and that its antibiotic resistance was not necessarily linked to biofilm formation. The study also highlighted the potential for human transmission of these bacteria through river water if water treatment processes are inadequate.

The study recommended:

Expanding the sample size.
Using advanced molecular techniques such as DGGE.
Implementing bacterial indicators to determine the source of contamination.
Extending research to other water bodies to better understand the spread of bacteria.