Bacteriophages in Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

The\rcontinuous battle between humans and the multitude of pathogenic\rmicroorganisms in the environment has sought relief in the form of antimicrobials.\rBut the counter attack by pathogenic organisms in the form of multidrug\rresistance, acquired by various mechanisms such as transformation, transposition,\rconjugation and transduction is a major reason for concern. Bacteriophages have\rcontributed in a significant way to dissemination of genes encoding antimicrobial\rresistance, heavy metal resistance and virulence factors through the\rphenomenon of transduction. This review aims at compiling information about\rthe different mechanisms by which bacteriophages aid in transferring genes\rinvolved in antimicrobial resistance to Escherischia coli in various\renvironments.