Antibiotic Resistance in an Indian Rural Community: A 'One-Health' Observational Study on Commensal Coliform from...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant global health threat.
• Commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) can carry antibiotic resistance genes.
• Understanding resistance in a community requires examining human and environmental sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To phenotype and genotype antibiotic-resistant commensal E. coli from humans, animals, and water in a single community.
• To apply a 'one-health' approach to assess the spread of antibiotic resistance.
• To identify specific antibiotic resistance genes and patterns in E. coli isolates.

Main Methods:

• Collected E. coli samples from children (1-3 years), animals, household drinking water, source water, and wastewater in Central India.
• Performed antibiotic susceptibility testing on E. coli isolates.
• Genotyped isolates for plasmid-encoded resistance genes, including ESBL and qnrS.

Main Results:

• Multi-drug resistance was prevalent in human (70%) and environmental E. coli isolates (29-41%).
• Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers were common in human (57%) and environmental (23%) isolates.
• bla and qnrS genes were the most frequent resistance genes detected; mcr-1 was absent.

Conclusions:

• High levels of antibiotic resistance, co-resistance, and resistance genes exist in E. coli from both human and environmental sources.
• The findings highlight the interconnectedness of resistance in human and animal populations and their environment.
• A 'one-health' strategy is crucial for effective mitigation of antibiotic resistance.