Antibiotic resistance selection and deselection in municipal wastewater from 47 countries.

ABSTRACT: Wastewaters are plausible arenas for antibiotic resistance evolution and transmission, yet selection for resistance by municipal wastewater has rarely been empirically demonstrated. Here, we experimentally investigate the potential of untreated municipal wastewater from 47 countries to select for antibiotic resistance and explore possible drivers. Using a functional selection assay with 340 mixed Escherichia coli strains, we find that sterile-filtered samples from 14 countries select significantly for resistance to at least one antibiotic class compared to baseline, while the majority select significantly against resistance. Similar results were generated using natural wastewater communities. Additionally, we report a comprehensive characterization of antibiotics and antibacterial biocides

SUBMITTER: Yu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12583516 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature