biostudies-literatureUnknown16Ruiz SEAntimicrobial 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 <i>Enterobacterales</i> and <i>Aeromonas</i> 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 levelsFrontiers in microbiology1669531https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12504239biostudies-literatureUrban wastewater overflows as hotspots for dissemination of bacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases in the Suquia River, Argentina.PMC12504239Sola CPanzetta MEAme VSaka HAToselli RDer Ohannesian MAmieva CRollan MDRGiraudo FJRuiz SEMorandini FNIrrazabal MGLipari FGValdes MEfalseUrban wastewater overflows as hotspots for dissemination of bacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases in the Suquia River, Argentina.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 <i>Enterobacterales</i> and <i>Aeromonas</i> 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 levels2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-04T10:03:31.112Z2026-06-02T03:07:43.529ZS-EPMC125042394107012210.3389/fmicb.2025.1669531