Heavy Metals, Chlorine and Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Ambulatory Patients

Summary

The susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from ambulatory patients to heavy metals, chlorine and antibiotics was evaluated. It seemed that heavy metal resistance was associated with antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, chlorine resistant strains seemed to be more sensitive to antibiotics. Clinical and ecological implications of these results are discussed.

Key words:

• Antibiotic resistance
• chlorine
• heavy metals