Genomic diversity, antibiotic resistance, and virulence in South African Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus lactis isolates.

This study presents the empirical findings of an in-depth genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus lactis isolates from South Africa. It offers valuable insights into their genetic characteristics and their significant implications for public health. The study uncovers nuanced variations in the gene content of these isolates, despite their similar GC contents, providing a comprehensive view of the evolutionary diversity within the species.

Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic residues in drinking water production facilities: Links to bacterial community.

There is a rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. However, the impact of antibiotic resistance in drinking water is relatively underexplored. Thus, this study aimed to quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic residues in two drinking water production facilities (NW-E and NW-C) in North West Province, South Africa and link these parameters to bacterial communities.

Genome mining of Escherichia coli WG5D from drinking water source: unraveling antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and pathogenicity.

Background: Escherichia coli, a ubiquitous inhabitant of the gut microbiota, has been recognized as an indicator of fecal contamination and a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes. Its prevalence in drinking water sources raises concerns about the potential dissemination of antibiotic resistance within aquatic ecosystems and the subsequent impact on public health. The ability of E.

Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water: evaluating antibiotic resistance and the presence of virulence genes.

Heterotrophic bacteria, impacting those with infections or compromised immunity, pose heightened health risks when resistant to antibiotics. This study investigates heterotrophic plate count bacteria in water from North West-C (NWC) and North West-G (NWG) facilities, revealing prevalent β-hemolysis (NWC 82.5%, NWG 86.

Draft genome of pathogenic heterotrophic bacterium 2R-9.

Human activity affects the quality of potable water sources and their associated bacterial communities. Here, we discuss the heterotrophic 2R-9 draft isolated from the raw source of a drinking water distribution system in South Africa.

Draft genome of heterotrophic bacteria sp. 2R-10 isolated from water treatment plant in South Africa.

The availability of clean drinking water is crucial for human well-being, necessitating the monitoring and characterization of microorganisms in water sources. In this study, we present the draft genome of a heterotrophic bacterium, sp. 2R-10, isolated from the untreated raw water of a drinking water source in South Africa.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bacillus bombysepticus Strains from Drinking Water.

Human activities contribute to the contamination of drinking water sources, thereby impacting both the quality of the water and the composition of the bacterial communities present. We report the draft genome sequences of two pathogenic heterotrophic Bacillus bombysepticus strains harboring various antibiotic resistance genes; the strains were isolated from distribution water in South Africa.

Metal- and antibiotic-resistant heterotrophic plate count bacteria from a gold mine impacted river: the Mooi River system, South Africa.

The Wonderfonteinspruit, South Africa, is highly impacted by a century of gold mining activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical properties of the Wonderfonteinspruit and the receiving Mooi River system, the levels of antimicrobial (metals and antibiotics) resistance characteristics and heterotrophic bacteria levels in these water systems. Various physico-chemical parameters were determined.

Microplastics pollution in the ocean: Potential carrier of resistant bacteria and resistance genes.

Microplastics pollution in marine environments is concerning. Microplastics persist and accumulate in various sections of the ocean where they present opportunity for micropollutant accumulation and microbial colonisation. Even though biofilm formation on plastics was first reported in the 1970's, it is only in recent years were plastic associated biofilms have gained research attention.

Evidence of potentially unrelated AmpC beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from cattle, cattle products and hospital environments commonly harboring the blaACC resistance determinant.

The occurrence and genetic relatedness of AmpC beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical environments, groundwater, beef, human and cattle faeces were investigated. One hundred seventy-seven (177) samples were collected and cultured on MacConkey agar. A total of 203 non-repetitive isolates were characterised using genus/species-specific PCRs and the identified isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance and virulence of Enterococcus spp. from wastewater treatment plant effluent and receiving waters in South Africa.

Poorly operating wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) result in faecal pollution of receiving waters, posing a health risk to humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and presence of virulent genes in Enterococcus spp. isolated from three WWTPs' final effluent and receiving waters in the North West Province, South Africa.

Combining physicochemical properties and microbiome data to evaluate the water quality of South African drinking water production plants.

Anthropogenic activities in catchments used for drinking water production largely contaminates source waters, and this may impact the quality of the final drinking water product. These contaminants may also affect taxonomic and functional profiles of the bacterial communities in the drinking water. Here, we report an integrated insight into the microbiome and water quality of four water treatment plants (NWC, NWE, WCA and NWG) that supply portable water to communities in South Africa.