Sonam's Research Journey
Meet Sonam Yangsel, a final-year B.Sc. Animal Science student, who has been working over her winter break, dedicating two months already and continuing for the next four months to address an issue of growing national and global concern.Her research, titled "Prevalence and Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Milk Samples in Punakha Dzongkhag," focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in two major mastitis-causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.Mastitis remains one of the most economically significant diseases in dairy cattle, affecting milk production, animal welfare, and farm profitability. At the same time, antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens poses a serious threat to both animal and public health.
Over the past several months, Sonam has collected more than 140 milk samples from mastitis-positive cows across seven gewogs in Punakha, along with detailed information on farm management practices and animal-level risk factors.The bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine their phenotypic resistance patterns. To strengthen the study further, she is also conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect more than 15 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). By combining phenotypic susceptibility testing with molecular detection of resistance genes, her research will provide valuable insights into the relationship between observed antimicrobial resistance and its underlying genetic mechanisms.This level of dedication to rigorous fieldwork and laboratory research is a true reflection of the spirit of scientific inquiry, perseverance, and commitment.Wishing Sonam all the very best as she continues her research journey and contributes to the fight against antimicrobial resistance!
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