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Antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria in a virtually closed water reticulation system
S G Mulamattathil1, H A Esterhuysen, P J Pretorius
1Division of Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences and Development, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|June 10, 2000
Summary
Chicken meat processing effluent significantly increases antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water systems. Beta-lactam and sulfonamide antibiotics used for treatment showed a greater impact on resistance than feed additives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Wastewater treatment
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Wastewater from agricultural and industrial sources can contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB).
- Understanding the impact of specific industries, like meat processing, on ARB profiles is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chicken meat-processing plant effluent on the antibiotic-resistant bacterial profile in a water reticulation system.
- To identify specific antibiotics and resistance patterns associated with the effluent.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of faecal coliform isolates from a water reticulation system exposed to meat-processing effluent.
- Testing isolate resistance against eight different antibiotics.
- Identification of resistance patterns and correlation with antibiotic usage.
Main Results:
- 93% of 273 faecal coliform isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic.
- High prevalence of resistance to beta-lactams (ampicillin, cephalothin) and sulfonamides (sulphatriad, cotrimoxazole).
- A dominant resistance pattern included resistance to ampicillin, cephalothin, streptomycin, sulphatriad, cotrimoxazole, and tetracycline.
Conclusions:
- Chicken meat-processing effluent significantly contributes to the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water systems.
- Antibiotics used for therapeutic treatment (beta-lactams, sulfonamides) appear to have a more pronounced impact on ARB profiles than those used as feed additives.
- The study highlights the need for careful management of antibiotic use in livestock and effective wastewater treatment strategies.