Urban wastewater overflows as hotspots for dissemination of bacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases in the Suquia River, Argentina.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global challenge, yet the role of environmental dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria remains underexplored, particularly in developing regions. This study investigated urban wastewater overflows from public streets as vectors for extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and Aeromonas in the Suquía River (Córdoba, Argentina). Sixty-two water samples were analyzed for coliform counts, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance genes. Horizontal gene transfer was assessed by conjugation. Sixty-five ESBL- and/or carbapenemase-producing isolates were recovered, including six carbapenemase producers subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Urban wastewater exhibited coliform levels

SUBMITTER: Ruiz SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12504239 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature