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Prevalence of gentamicin- and amikacin-resistant bacteria in sink drains
Abstract:
Sink drains from the Veterans Administration Medical Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and the Oklahoma City community were selectively cultured for gentamicin- and amikacin-resistant bacteria. Aminoglycoside-resistant organisms were found in 86% (Veterans Administration Medical Center, 88%; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 88%; and Oklahoma City community, 77%) of all 233 sink drains sampled. Of 207 sink drains harboring aminoglycoside-resistent organisms, 99% of the organisms were gentamicin resistant and 82% were amikacin resistant. These data suggest that aminoglycoside-resistent organisms are commonly present in the environment.
Insights
Sink drains frequently harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Gentamicin-resistant organisms were found in most sampled drains, indicating widespread environmental presence of these resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Healthcare environments and community settings can serve as reservoirs for resistant microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of gentamicin- and amikacin-resistant bacteria in sink drains.
- To determine the commonality of aminoglycoside-resistant organisms in environmental settings.
Main Methods:
- Sink drain samples were collected from a medical center, a university, and the general community.
- Samples were selectively cultured to identify gentamicin- and amikacin-resistant bacteria.
Main Results:
- Aminoglycoside-resistant organisms were detected in 86% of all sampled sink drains.
- Of the resistant organisms found, 99% were resistant to gentamicin and 82% to amikacin.
- High resistance rates were observed across medical, university, and community settings.
Conclusions:
- Sink drains are a common environmental source of aminoglycoside-resistant bacteria.
- The widespread presence of gentamicin-resistant organisms in drains highlights potential public health risks.
- Environmental surveillance is crucial for understanding the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.