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: 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.