Multiple antibiotic resistant fecal coliforms in raw sewage

Fecal coliforms in raw sewage from three localities in Bahrain were tested for resistance to 9 commonly available antibiotics. Nineteen percent of the isolates resistant to at least two antibiotics, showed resistance to Nalidixic acid and 10% were resistant to all other 8 antibiotics tested. Transmissability of antibiotic resistance was temperature dependent and was demonstrated in 86.0% of resistant isolates. The antibiotic resistant organisms also survived longer than sensitive isolates in seawater under laboratory conditions. Over the counter availability of antibiotics and a high incidence of multiple antibiotic resistant coliforms have possible implications on public health.