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Donchev D, Ivanov IN, Stoikov I, Ivanova M. Metagenomic Investigation of the Short-Term Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Bacterial Microbiome and the Resistome Downstream of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Iskar River in Bulgaria. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1250. [PMID: 38930632 PMCID: PMC11207046 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) aim to reduce contamination in effluent water; however, studies indicate antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) persist post-treatment, potentially leading to their spread from human populated areas into the environment. This study evaluated the impact of a large WWTP serving 125,000 people on the Iskar River in Bulgaria, by characterizing the spatial and short-term temporal dynamics in bacterial community dynamics and resistance profiles of the surface water. Pairs of samples were collected biweekly on four dates from two different locations, one about 800 m after the WWTP effluents and the other 10 km downstream. Taxonomic classification revealed the dominance of Pseudomonodota and Bacteriodota, notably the genera Flavobacterium, Aquirufa, Acidovorax, Polynucleobacter, and Limnohabitans. The taxonomic structure corresponded with both lentic and lotic freshwater habitats, with Flavobacterium exhibiting a significant decrease over the study period. Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in bacterial community composition between samples collected on different dates. Differential abundance analysis identified notable enrichment of Polynucleobacter and Limnohabitans. There were shifts within the enriched or depleted bacterial taxa between early and late sampling dates. High relative abundance of the genes erm(B), erm(F), mph(E), msr(E) (macrolides); tet(C), tet(O), tet(W), tet(Q) and tet(X) (tetracyclines); sul1 and sul2 (sulphonamides); and cfxA3, cfxA6 (beta-lactams) were detected, with trends of increased presence in the latest sampling dates and in the location closer to the WWTP. Of note, genes conferring resistance to carbapenems blaOXA-58 and blaIMP-33-like were identified. Co-occurrence analysis of ARGs and mobile genetic elements on putative plasmids showed few instances, and the estimated human health risk score (0.19) according to MetaCompare2.0 was low. In total, 29 metagenome-assembled genomes were recovered, with only a few harbouring ARGs. This study enhances our understanding of freshwater microbial community dynamics and antibiotic resistance profiles, highlighting the need for continued ARGs monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyan Donchev
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan N. Ivanov
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Stoikov
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Monika Ivanova
- Paralax Life Sciences, Sofia Center, 47 Bacho Kiro Str., 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Magalhães EA, de Jesus HE, Pereira PHF, Gomes AS, Santos HFD. Beach sand plastispheres are hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes and potentially pathogenic bacteria even in beaches with good water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123237. [PMID: 38159625 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Massive amounts of microplastics are transported daily from the oceans and rivers onto beaches. The ocean plastisphere is a hotspot and a vector for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, very little is known about the plastisphere in beach sand. Thus, to describe whether the microplastics from beach sand represent a risk to human health, we evaluated the bacteriome and abundance of ARGs on microplastic and sand sampled at the drift line and supralittoral zones of four beaches of poor and good water quality. The bacteriome was evaluated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, and the ARGs and bacterial abundances were evaluated by high-throughput real-time PCR. The results revealed that the microplastic harbored a bacterial community that is more abundant and distinct from that of beach sand, as well as a greater abundance of potential human and marine pathogens, especially the microplastics deposited closer to seawater. Microplastics also harbored a greater number and abundance of ARGs. All antibiotic classes evaluated were found in the microplastic samples, but not in the beach sand ones. Additionally, 16 ARGs were found on the microplastic alone, including genes related to multidrug resistance (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, tetM, mdtE and acrB_1), genes that have the potential to rapidly and horizontally spread (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, and tetM), and the gene that confers resistance to antibiotics that are typically regarded as the ultimate line of defense against severe multi-resistant bacterial infections (blaKPC). Lastly, microplastic harbored a similar bacterial community and ARGs regardless of beach water quality. Our findings suggest that the accumulation of microplastics in beach sand worldwide may constitute a potential threat to human health, even in beaches where the water quality is deemed satisfactory. This phenomenon may facilitate the emergence and dissemination of bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Amorim Magalhães
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Hugo Emiliano de Jesus
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Freitas Pereira
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Abílio Soares Gomes
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Henrique Fragoso Dos Santos
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil.
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Paulshus E, Colque P, Kühn I, Tauhid T, Hu YOO, Zhou Y, Thorell K, Möllby R, Sørum H, Sjöling Å, Joffré E. Escherichia coli ST2797 Is Abundant in Wastewater and Might Be a Novel Emerging Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase E. coli. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0448622. [PMID: 37260395 PMCID: PMC10434162 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04486-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an emerging threat to global health. The analysis of antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria in wastewater can indicate the prevalence and spread of certain clonal groups of multiresistant bacteria. In a previous study of Escherichia coli that were isolated from a pump station in Norway over 15 months, we found a recurring E. coli clone that was resistant to trimethoprim, ampicillin, and tetracycline in 201 of 3,123 analyzed isolates (6.1%). 11 representative isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and were found to belong to the MLST ST2797 E. coli clone with plasmids carrying resistance genes, including blaTEM-1B, sul2, dfrA7, and tetB. A phenotypic comparison of the ST2797 isolates with the uropathogenic ST131 and ST648 that were repeatedly identified in the same wastewater samples revealed that the ST2797 isolates exhibited a comparable capacity for temporal survival in wastewater, greater biofilm formation, and similar potential for the colonization of mammalian epithelial cells. ST2797 has been isolated from humans and has been found to carry extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in other studies, suggesting that this clonal type is an emerging ESBL E. coli. Collectively, these findings show that ST2797 was more ubiquitous in the studied wastewater than were the infamous ST131 and ST648 and that ST2797 may have similar abilities to survive in the environment and cause infections in humans. IMPORTANCE The incidence of drug-resistant bacteria found in the environment is increasing together with the levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause infections. The COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the importance of monitoring emerging threats and finding early warning systems. Therefore, to mitigate the antimicrobial resistance burden, the monitoring and early identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hot spots, such as wastewater treatment plants, are required to combat the occurrence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Here, we applied a PhenePlate system as a phenotypic screening method for genomic surveillance and discovered a dominant and persistent E. coli clone ST2797 with a multidrug resistance pattern and equivalent phenotypic characteristics to those of the major pandemic lineages, namely, ST131 and ST648, which frequently carry ESBL genes. This study highlights the continuous surveillance and report of multidrug resistant bacteria with the potential to spread in One Health settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Paulshus
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Analysis and Diagnostics, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Patricia Colque
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Kühn
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tamanna Tauhid
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yue O. O. Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yingshun Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaisa Thorell
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Roland Möllby
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henning Sørum
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åsa Sjöling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Enrique Joffré
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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de Souza TTC, Castro GB, Bernegossi AC, Felipe MC, Pinheiro FR, Colombo-Corbi V, Girolli DA, Gorni GR, Corbi JJ. Pristina longiseta reproduction test: chronic exposure to environmental contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:23578-23588. [PMID: 36327072 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic worms are considered a suitable group to evaluate the effects of contaminants on the environment, although one of the main challenges is to use the species of local occurrence. Recently, Pristina longiseta was suggested to be used in acute bioassays. In this context, this study aimed to establish a chronic exposure for ecotoxicological bioassays using the cosmopolitan species of occurrence in Brazilian freshwater P. longiseta. Firstly, we tested three exposure times (4, 7, and 10 days) under the presence or absence of aeration for reproduction outputs. After determining the best configuration (7 days without aeration), we assessed the effects of the chronic exposures using the standardized reference substance potassium chloride (KCl), the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX), the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and the sugarcane vinasse. Our results showed suitability for applying the chronic exposure using P. longiseta and indicated the sensitivity of the offspring to KCl (EC50-7d = 0.51 g/L). Sulfamethoxazole and TBBPA caused a significant decrease in the offspring of P. longiseta (EC50-7d = 59.9 µg/L and < 62.5 µg/L, respectively). Sugarcane vinasse showed high toxicity for the species, and 4.26% of vinasse was calculated as EC50-7d. Therefore, the described protocol was successfully applied as an ecotoxicological bioassay to evaluate the effects of environmental contaminants on the reproduction rate of the freshwater worm P. longiseta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallyson Tavares Cunha de Souza
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gleyson Borges Castro
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Christine Bernegossi
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara Caroline Felipe
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rodrigues Pinheiro
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juliano José Corbi
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Nguyen KH, Smith S, Roundtree A, Feistel DJ, Kirby AE, Levy K, Mattioli MC. Fecal indicators and antibiotic resistance genes exhibit diurnal trends in the Chattahoochee River: Implications for water quality monitoring. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1029176. [PMID: 36439800 PMCID: PMC9684717 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1029176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Water bodies that serve as sources of drinking or recreational water are routinely monitored for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) by state and local agencies. Exceedances of monitoring thresholds set by those agencies signal likely elevated human health risk from exposure, but FIB give little information about the potential source of contamination. To improve our understanding of how within-day variation could impact monitoring data interpretation, we conducted a study at two sites along the Chattahoochee River that varied in their recreational usage and adjacent land-use (natural versus urban), collecting samples every 30 min over one 24-h period. We assayed for three types of microbial indicators: FIB (total coliforms and Escherichia coli); human fecal-associated microbial source tracking (MST) markers (crAssphage and HF183/BacR287); and a suite of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs; blaCTX-M, blaCMY, MCR, KPC, VIM, NDM) and a gene associated with antibiotic resistance (intl1). Mean levels of FIB and clinically relevant ARGs (blaCMY and KPC) were similar across sites, while MST markers and intI1 occurred at higher mean levels at the natural site. The human-associated MST markers positively correlated with antibiotic resistant-associated genes at both sites, but no consistent associations were detected between culturable FIB and any molecular markers. For all microbial indicators, generalized additive mixed models were used to examine diurnal variability and whether this variability was associated with environmental factors (water temperature, turbidity, pH, and sunlight). We found that FIB peaked during morning and early afternoon hours and were not associated with environmental factors. With the exception of HF183/BacR287 at the urban site, molecular MST markers and intI1 exhibited diurnal variability, and water temperature, pH, and turbidity were significantly associated with this variability. For blaCMY and KPC, diurnal variability was present but was not correlated with environmental factors. These results suggest that differences in land use (natural or urban) both adjacent and upstream may impact overall levels of microbial contamination. Monitoring agencies should consider matching sample collection times with peak levels of target microbial indicators, which would be in the morning or early afternoon for the fecal associated indicators. Measuring multiple microbial indicators can lead to clearer interpretations of human health risk associated with exposure to contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shanon Smith
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alexis Roundtree
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dorian J. Feistel
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy E. Kirby
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Karen Levy
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mia Catharine Mattioli
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mia Catharine Mattioli,
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Guzman-Otazo J, Joffré E, Agramont J, Mamani N, Jutkina J, Boulund F, Hu YOO, Jumilla-Lorenz D, Farewell A, Larsson DGJ, Flach CF, Iñiguez V, Sjöling Å. Conjugative transfer of multi-drug resistance IncN plasmids from environmental waterborne bacteria to Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:997849. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.997849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Watersheds contaminated with municipal, hospital, and agricultural residues are recognized as reservoirs for bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The objective of this study was to determine the potential of environmental bacterial communities from the highly contaminated La Paz River basin in Bolivia to transfer ARGs to an Escherichia coli lab strain used as the recipient. Additionally, we tested ZnSO4 and CuSO4 at sub-inhibitory concentrations as stressors and analyzed transfer frequencies (TFs), diversity, richness, and acquired resistance profiles. The bacterial communities were collected from surface water in an urban site close to a hospital and near an agricultural area. High transfer potentials of a large set of resistance factors to E. coli were observed at both sites. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that putative plasmids belonging to the incompatibility group N (IncN, IncN2, and IncN3) were predominant among the transconjugants. All IncN variants were verified to be mobile by a second conjugation step. The plasmid backbones were similar to other IncN plasmids isolated worldwide and carried a wide range of ARGs extensively corroborated by phenotypic resistance patterns. Interestingly, all transconjugants also acquired the class 1 integron intl1, which is commonly known as a proxy for anthropogenic pollution. The addition of ZnSO4 and CuSO4 at sub-inhibitory concentrations did not affect the transfer rate. Metal resistance genes were absent from most transconjugants, suggesting a minor role, if any, of metals in the spread of multidrug-resistant plasmids at the investigated sites.
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Shen W, Chen Y, Wang N, Wan P, Peng Z, Zhao H, Wang W, Xiong L, Zhang S, Liu R. Seasonal variability of the correlation network of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance determinants, and bacteria in a wastewater treatment plant and receiving water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115362. [PMID: 35642820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants are an essential source of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance determinants, and bacteria in environmental waters. However, it is still unclear whether they can maintain a relatively stable relationship in wastewater and environmental waters. This study analyzed the removal capacity of the above three pollutants in the sewage treatment plant in summer and their impact on environmental waters, and then examines the relationship between the three contaminants in the wastewater and environmental waters in summer and winter based on our previous study. The results found that the removal capacity of bacteria in summer was poor, the concentration of fluoroquinolone in the effluent was higher than that in influent, and the abundance of intI1, tetW, qnrB, and ermB increased after wastewater treatment. Proteobacteria and Bacteroides were the main bacteria that constitute the correlation network between bacteria, and they existed stably in summer and winter. However, fluoroquinolones occupied a significant position in the determinant network of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in summer and winter. There are fewer correlation between antibiotics and antibiotics resistance determinants in winter. Interestingly, the relationship between bacteria, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance determinants was a mainly positive correlation in summer and negative correlation in winter. This study analyzed the relationship between bacteria, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance determinants that were stable in the wastewater and environmental waters and pointed out the direction for subsequent targeted seasonal control of novel pollutants in wastewater and environmental waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Ping Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhenyan Peng
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Huajin Zhao
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Lilin Xiong
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Shenghu Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Sabar MA, Honda R, Haramoto E. CrAssphage as an indicator of human-fecal contamination in water environment and virus reduction in wastewater treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118827. [PMID: 35820313 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Viral indicators of human-fecal contamination in wastewaters and environmental waters have been getting much attention in the past decade. Cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) is the most abundant DNA virus in human feces. Recently, the usefulness of crAssphage as a microbial source tracking and water quality monitoring tool for human-fecal contamination has been highlighted. Here, we conducted a comprehensive review on crAssphage in water, focusing on detection methodology, concentration range in various waters and wastewaters, specificity to human-fecal contamination, and reduction in wastewater treatment systems. This review highlights that crAssphage is globally distributed in wastewaters and various fecal-contaminated water bodies at high concentrations without seasonal fluctuations. CrAssphage is highly specific to human-fecal contamination and is rarely found in animal feces. It also has a good potential as a performance indicator to ensure virus reduction in wastewater treatment systems. Accordingly, crAssphage could be an effective tool for monitoring of human-fecal contamination and potential presence of fecal pathogenic microbes in environmental waters. Bridging the research gaps highlighted in this review would make crAssphage a powerful tool to support the control of water-related health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryo Honda
- Faculty of Geoscience and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan.
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Japan
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9
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Zhou S, Xiong C, Su Y, Wang Y, Gao Y, Tang Z, Liu B, Wu Y, Duan Y. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in uranium mine: Distribution and influencing factors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 304:119158. [PMID: 35304179 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Both heavy metals and radiation could affect the proliferation and dissemination of emerging antibiotic resistance pollutants. As an environmental medium rich in radioactive metals, the profile of antibiotic resistance in uranium mine remains largely unknown. A uranium mine in Guangdong province, China was selected to investigate the distribution and influencing factors of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) including intracellular ARGs (iARGs), adsorbed-extracellular ARGs (aeARGs), and free extracellular ARGs (feARGs). The result indicated that sulfonamide and tetracycline ARB could be generally detected in mining area with the absolute concentrations of 7.70 × 102-5.18 × 105 colony forming unit/g. The abundances of aeARGs in mine soil were significantly higher than those of iARGs (p < 0.05), highlighting the critical contribution of aeARGs to ARGs spread. The feARGs in mine drainage and its receiving river were abundant (3.38 × 104-1.86 × 107 copies/mL). ARB, aeARGs, and iARGs may correlate with nitrogen species and heavy metals (e.g., U and Mn), and feARGs presented a significant correlation with chemical oxygen demand (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the occurrence of ARB and ARGs in uranium mine for the first time, thereby contributing to the assessment and control of the ecological risk of antibiotic resistance in radioactive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse Technology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China; School of Civil Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Rare Metal Minerals Exploitation and Geological Disposal of Wastes, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Cong Xiong
- School of Civil Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yinglong Su
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yayi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Rare Metal Minerals Exploitation and Geological Disposal of Wastes, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Zhenping Tang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Rare Metal Minerals Exploitation and Geological Disposal of Wastes, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yueyue Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse Technology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China; School of Civil Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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10
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Huff Chester A, Gordon C, Hartmann HA, Bartell SE, Ansah E, Yan T, Li B, Dampha NK, Edmiston PL, Novak PJ, Schoenfuss HL. Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Lower Volta River, Ghana, West Africa: The Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Urban Development Nexus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:369-381. [PMID: 34939696 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments across all continents and are relatively well known in the developed world. However, few studies have investigated their presence and biological effects in low- and middle-income countries. We provide a survey of CEC presence in the Volta River, Ghana, and examine the microbial consequences of anthropogenic activities along this economically and ecologically important African river. Water and sediment samples were taken by boat or from shore at 14 sites spanning 118 km of river course from the Volta estuary to the Akosombo dam. Sample extracts were prepared for targeted analysis of antimicrobial CECs, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; water only). Concurrent samples were extracted to characterize the microbial community and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). Antibiotics and PFAS (PFAS, 2-20 ng/L) were found in all water samples; however, their concentrations were usually in the low nanograms per liter range and lower than reported for other African, European, and North American studies. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide was present in all samples. The number of different genes detected (between one and 10) and total ARG concentrations varied in both water (9.1 × 10-6 to 8.2 × 10-3 ) and sediment (2.2 × 10-4 to 5.3 × 10-2 ), with increases in gene variety at sites linked to urban development, sand mining, agriculture, and shellfish processing. Total ARG concentration spikes in sediment samples were associated with agriculture. No correlations between water quality parameters, CEC presence, and/or ARGs were noted. The presence of CECs in the lower Volta River highlights their global reach. The overall low concentrations of CECs detected is encouraging and, coupled with mitigation measures, can stymie future CEC pollution in the Volta River. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:369-381. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anndee Huff Chester
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher Gordon
- Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Stephen E Bartell
- Department of Biology, Normandale Community College, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emmanuel Ansah
- Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Nfamara K Dampha
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul L Edmiston
- Department of Chemistry, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Paige J Novak
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heiko L Schoenfuss
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Suhadolnik MLS, Costa PS, Paiva MC, Salim ACDM, Barbosa FAR, Lobo FP, Nascimento AMA. Spatiotemporal dynamics of the resistome and virulome of riverine microbiomes disturbed by a mining mud tsunami. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150936. [PMID: 34678365 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities. However, it remains unclear how the microbiome responds to press disturbance events in these ecosystems. We examined the impact of the world's largest mining disaster (Brazil, 2015) on sediment microbiomes in two disturbed rivers compared to an undisturbed river during 390 days post-disturbance. The diversity and structure of the virulome and microbiome, and of antibiotic and metal resistomes, consistently differed between the disturbed and undisturbed rivers, particularly at day 7 post-disturbance. 684 different ARGs were predicted, 38% were exclusive to the disturbed rivers. Critical antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), e.g., mcr and ereA2, were significantly more common in the disturbed microbiomes. 401 different ARGs were associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), 95% occurred in the disturbed rivers. While plasmids were the most common MGEs with a broad spectrum of ARGs, spanning 16 antibiotic classes, integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) and integrons disseminated ARGs associated with aminoglycoside and tetracycline, and aminoglycoside and beta-lactam, respectively. A significant increase in the relative abundance of class 1 integrons, ICEs, and pathogens was identified at day 7 in the disturbed microbiomes, 72-, 14- and 3- fold higher, respectively, compared with the undisturbed river. Mobile ARGs associated with ESKAPEE group pathogens, while metal resistance genes and virulence factor genes in nonpathogenic hosts predominated in all microbiomes. Network analysis showed highly interconnected ARGs in the disturbed communities, including genes targeting antibiotics of last resort. Interactions between copper and beta-lactam/aminoglycoside/macrolide resistance genes, mostly mobile and critical, were also uncovered. We conclude that the mud tsunami resulted in resistome expansion, enrichment of pathogens, and increases in promiscuous and mobile ARGs. From a One Health perspective, mining companies need to move toward more environmentally friendly and socially responsible mining practices to reduce risks associated with pathogens and critical and mobile ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luíza Soares Suhadolnik
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Costa
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Francisco Pereira Lobo
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Maria Amaral Nascimento
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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12
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Aslam B, Khurshid M, Arshad MI, Muzammil S, Rasool M, Yasmeen N, Shah T, Chaudhry TH, Rasool MH, Shahid A, Xueshan X, Baloch Z. Antibiotic Resistance: One Health One World Outlook. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:771510. [PMID: 34900756 PMCID: PMC8656695 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.771510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and it is now regarded as a critical One Health issue. One Health’s interconnected domains contribute to the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms on a local and global scale, which is a significant risk factor for global health. The persistence and spread of resistant microbial species, and the association of determinants at the human-animal-environment interface can alter microbial genomes, resulting in resistant superbugs in various niches. ABR is motivated by a well-established link between three domains: human, animal, and environmental health. As a result, addressing ABR through the One Health approach makes sense. Several countries have implemented national action plans based on the One Health approach to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes, following the Tripartite’s Commitment Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The ABR has been identified as a global health concern, and efforts are being made to mitigate this global health threat. To summarize, global interdisciplinary and unified approaches based on One Health principles are required to limit the ABR dissemination cycle, raise awareness and education about antibiotic use, and promote policy, advocacy, and antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Aslam
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Khurshid
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Saima Muzammil
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Rasool
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nafeesa Yasmeen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taif Shah
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Tamoor Hamid Chaudhry
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Aqsa Shahid
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xia Xueshan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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13
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Fernández Rivas C, Porphyre T, Chase-Topping ME, Knapp CW, Williamson H, Barraud O, Tongue SC, Silva N, Currie C, Elsby DT, Hoyle DV. High Prevalence and Factors Associated With the Distribution of the Integron intI1 and intI2 Genes in Scottish Cattle Herds. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:755833. [PMID: 34778436 PMCID: PMC8585936 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.755833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic elements that capture and express antimicrobial resistance genes within arrays, facilitating horizontal spread of multiple drug resistance in a range of bacterial species. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence for class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in Scottish cattle and examine whether spatial, seasonal or herd management factors influenced integron herd status. We used fecal samples collected from 108 Scottish cattle herds in a national, cross-sectional survey between 2014 and 2015, and screened fecal DNA extracts by multiplex PCR for the integrase genes intI1, intI2, and intI3. Herd-level prevalence was estimated [95% confidence interval (CI)] for intI1 as 76.9% (67.8-84.0%) and intI2 as 82.4% (73.9-88.6%). We did not detect intI3 in any of the herd samples tested. A regional effect was observed for intI1, highest in the North East (OR 11.5, 95% CI: 1.0-130.9, P = 0.05) and South East (OR 8.7, 95% CI: 1.1-20.9, P = 0.04), lowest in the Highlands. A generalized linear mixed model was used to test for potential associations between herd status and cattle management, soil type and regional livestock density variables. Within the final multivariable model, factors associated with herd positivity for intI1 included spring season of the year (OR 6.3, 95% CI: 1.1-36.4, P = 0.04) and watering cattle from a natural spring source (OR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.3-14.8, P = 0.017), and cattle being housed at the time of sampling for intI2 (OR 75.0, 95% CI: 10.4-540.5, P < 0.001). This study provides baseline estimates for integron prevalence in Scottish cattle and identifies factors that may be associated with carriage that warrant future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernández Rivas
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thibaud Porphyre
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Margo E Chase-Topping
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Charles W Knapp
- Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Williamson
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Barraud
- INSERM, CHU Limoges, UMR1092, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Sue C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), An Lòchran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Nuno Silva
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Currie
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Derek T Elsby
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah V Hoyle
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Scotland, United Kingdom
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14
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Li W, Liu Z, Hu B, Zhu L. Co-occurrence of crAssphage and antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils of the Yangtze River Delta, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106620. [PMID: 33989841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural soil is highly susceptible to manure contamination and thus is a potential source for the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Routine monitoring fecal contamination in agricultural soil can reduce the manure-derived ARG contaminations. This study investigated the distribution of crAssphage, a highly human-specific indicator of fecal pollution, in agricultural soils in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China, and its potential in serving as an indicator of soil ARGs. CrAssphage was indeed strongly correlated with the abundance of soil ARGs, and particularly tetracycline resistance gene tetW (rho = 0.55, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, with the increasing of crAssphage abundance, the frequency of multiple abundant ARGs is also increased. When the relative abundance of crAssphage in soil samples exceeded 4.94 × 10-4 copies per copy of the 16S rRNA gene, there would be more than three types of co-existing ARGs. Regional differences in crAssphage and ARGs abundances were observed for samples collected from Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Anhui in the YRD, indicating different levels of fecal pollution therein. High sewage treatment capacity could contribute to the reduce of fecal pollution and the control ARG transmission in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Zishu Liu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Baolan Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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15
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Dagher LA, Hassan J, Kharroubi S, Jaafar H, Kassem II. Nationwide Assessment of Water Quality in Rivers across Lebanon by Quantifying Fecal Indicators Densities and Profiling Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070883. [PMID: 34356804 PMCID: PMC8300662 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of contaminated water has been associated with severe disease outbreaks. Due to widespread pollution with untreated sewage, concerns have been raised over water quality in Lebanon, a country with well-documented challenges in infrastructure. Here, we evaluated the water quality of major rivers in Lebanon by quantifying the densities of fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli). Additionally, we assessed the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in river water. Composite water samples (n = 132) were collected from fourteen rivers, and 378 E. coli were isolated and analyzed. Fecal coliforms and E. coli were detected in 96.29% and 95.5% of the samples, respectively. Additionally, 73.48–61.3% and 31.81% of the samples exceeded the microbiological acceptability standards for irrigation and the fecal coliform limit for recreational activities, respectively. The E. coli exhibited resistance to ampicillin (40% of isolates), amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (42%), cefepime (4%), cefotaxime (14%), cefalexin (46%), cefixime (17%), doripenem (0.3%), imipenem (0.5%), gentamicin (6%), kanamycin (9%), streptomycin (35%), tetracycline (35%), ciprofloxacin (10%), norfloxacin (7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (32%), and chloramphenicol (13%). Notably, 45.8% of the isolates were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). Our results highlight the need to urgently address fecal pollution and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Lebanese rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea A. Dagher
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (L.A.D.); (S.K.)
| | - Jouman Hassan
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA;
| | - Samer Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (L.A.D.); (S.K.)
| | - Hadi Jaafar
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (L.A.D.); (S.K.)
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA;
- Correspondence:
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