Antimicrobial-resistant enterobacteria in surface waters with fecal contamination from urban and rural communities

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate wastewater treatment and fecal contamination have a strong environmental impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the profile of AMR enterobacteria and fecal contamination from four surface waters: Jiquiriça-Brejões River and Cabrito, Tororó, and Abaeté Lagoons. METHODS: We analyzed AMR β-lactamase genes using the polymerase chain reaction method and fecal contamination using Coliscan(®). RESULTS: We found high levels of fecal contamination, β-lactamase producers, and AMR genes (bla(OXA-48), bla(SPM), and bla(VIM)) in all waterbodies. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sanitation evidenced by fecal contamination and human activities around these surface waters contributed to the distribution and increase in AMR enterobacteria.