Antimicrobial resistance E. coli, Staphylococcus and Salmonella Hatirjheel lake and Buriganga river: a threat to water quality and public health

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with environmental reservoirs such as lakes and rivers playing a crucial role in its dissemination. This study addresses the prevalence and patterns of AMR in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella isolated from Hatirjheel Lake and Buriganga River in Bangladesh. Water samples were collected from multiple sites along each water body and subjected to microbiological analyses. Isolates of E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella were identified using standard biochemical and molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Antimicrobial resistance among the isolated microorganisms from both water sources is worrying, according to our data. Multiple antibiotics, including widely used medicines like ampicillin, aztreonam, and amoxicillin, were shown to be resistant to E. coli. Likewise, isolates of Staphylococcus species demonstrated resistance to cefixime, erythromycin, ceftazidime, and linezolid. Antibiotic resistance was detected in Salmonella isolates against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, cefixime, and ceftazidime. The probability of a waterborne infection spreading to humans is increased by the simultaneous presence of microorganisms resistant to multiple antibiotics in both water sources. The discovery of resistance genes such as tsst and mecA highlights the role that environmental reservoirs play in the dissemination of resistance determinants. To reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic ecosystems, immediate interventions are needed, such as improved wastewater management, public awareness campaigns, and surveillance of antimicrobial usage. The significance of keeping an eye on antibiotic resistance in environmental contexts and its effects on public health and water quality are highlighted by this study. Multidisciplinary strategies combining microbiologists, environmental scientists, legislators, and public health professionals should be used to tackle antimicrobial resistance.