Antimicrobial-resistant enterobacteria in surface waters with fecal contamination from urban and rural communities

Introduction: Inadequate wastewater treatment and fecal contamination have a strong environmental impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the profile of AMR enterobacteria and fecal contamination from four surface waters: Jiquirica-Brejoes River and Cabrito, Tororo, and Abaete Lagoons. Methods: We analyzed AMR beta-lactamase genes using the polymerase chain reaction method and fecal contamination using Coliscan (R). Results: We found high levels of fecal contamination, beta-lactamase producers, and AMR genes (bla(OXA-48), bla(SPM), and bla(VIM)) in all waterbodies. Conclusions: Poor sanitation evidenced by fecal contamination and human activities around these surface waters contributed to the distribution and increase in AMR enterobacteria.