Antimicrobial sensitivity profile of isolated Escherichia coli strains from surface water samples of the Carioca River-RJ, Brazil

Linked to unsafe health practices and originally associated with the hospital environment, bacterial resistance has also started to be observed in nature. Given the relationship between water quality and the health of a population, its condition started to be assessed by detecting microorganisms, and Escherichia coli was used as a bioindicator. The Carioca River is the first urban river listed in Brazil. It has historical, cultural, landscape, and symbolic value. However, it is still a place for effluent discharge at different spots and is a potential reservoir for the maintenance and dissemination of resistance genes. From this perspective, the objective was to establish the profile of susceptibility to E. coli antimicrobials isolated in water samples from the Carioca River, Rio de Janeiro, considering the domestic and hospital wastewater in this watercourse. Surface water samples were collected from five River points. Apparent color, turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, and pH were the parameters analyzed. Presence/absence of coliform bacteria were detected in the samples, with subsequent cultivation, isolation, and identification of E. coli. The isolates were submitted to the Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test. Isolates resistant to four different antimicrobials were found at the most degraded point. Thus, this study can help to understand the mechanisms by which the population is exposed and colonized, strengthening health, sanitary, and environmental strategies.