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ISSN 2063-5346
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Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Bacteriophage in Controlling Sewage Associated Salmonella Pathogens in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India

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Chrisha Mac Reeba1, Esaivani.C1*, and Vasanthi.K2
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.10.484

Abstract

The increase in the availability of new antibiotics has led to the eradication of certain pathogens, but it has also resulted in the emergence of diseases caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 700,000 people die annually worldwide due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). If AMR is not effectively addressed, the mortality rate could rise to 100 million per year by 2050. This study aims to eliminate the source of Salmonella bacteria, which causes Typhoid, in sewage and assess the society's awareness of AMR. An online survey was conducted using a Google form to gather information. Sewage samples were collected from six different locations and Salmonella bacteria were isolated. Bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria, was used to eradicate the isolated Salmonella bacteria. The enumeration of Salmonella bacteria in selected samples was carried out using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique, approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the isolated species were confirmed through biochemical tests. The results showed that the MPN per 100 ml of Salmonella bacteria was 1100 before the phage treatment, but after the treatment, it decreased to 3. These findings suggest that bacteriophages can serve as an alternative method for controlling infectious diseases.

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