Abstract
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: Jiquiriça-Brejões River and Cabrito, Tororó, and Abaeté Lagoons.
METHODS:
We analyzed AMR β-lactamase genes using the polymerase chain reaction method and fecal contamination using Coliscan®.
RESULTS:
We found high levels of fecal contamination, β-lactamase producers, and AMR genes (blaOXA-48, blaSPM, and blaVIM) 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.
Keywords:
Fecal contamination; Surface water; Enterobacteria; Antimicrobial resistance; ESBL-producing; Carbapenemase-producing