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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Multiresistant waterborne pathogens isolated from water reservoirs and cooling systems
M D Blasco1, C Esteve, E Alcaide
1Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Multiple antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas species are prevalent in water reservoirs and industrial cooling systems. This highlights a growing concern for waterborne diseases due to increasing bacterial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Waterborne pathogens
Background:
- Emergent human pathogens like Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas species are increasingly found in aquatic environments.
- Antibiotic resistance in these bacteria poses a significant threat to public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of multiple antibiotic-resistant strains of Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and mesophilic Aeromonas species.
- To assess these pathogens in water reservoirs and industrial cooling systems.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected over one year from four natural reservoirs and four industrial cooling towers.
- Bacterial counts for total heterotrophs, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, and Legionella were performed using standard procedures.
- Isolates were identified via biochemical tests and DNA probes, and their sensitivity to 27 antibiotics was tested.
Main Results:
- A total of 117 Aeromonas, 60 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 15 Legionella pneumophila strains were isolated.
- 46.4% of Aeromonas and 100% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance.
- Legionella pneumophila strains were generally sensitive to the tested antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas species are common in natural aquatic environments.
- The findings confirm the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water systems.
- The risk of waterborne diseases necessitates re-evaluation considering increased bacterial resistance in freshwater sources.
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