Assessment of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Contamination in Diverse Drinking Water Sources: Implications for Water Safety and AMR Control Strategies
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistance, Contamination, Drinking water, Multidrug-resistant bacteria, Waterborne pathogensAbstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global public health threat, particularly through environmental routes like drinking water. In low- and middle-income countries, contamination of water sources with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and unregulated antibiotic use.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria in various drinking water sources in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 30 drinking water samples from tap, filtered, and bottled water. Microbiological analysis included membrane filtration and pour plate methods. Bacterial identification involved Gram staining, biochemical tests, and Analytical Profile Index (API) kits. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with interpretation per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Results: Bacterial contamination was found in 70% of samples, highest in tap water (90%). Common isolates included Escherichia coli (35.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27.1%), and Staphylococcus aureus (20.8%). High resistance was observed to ampicillin (80.2%) and tetracycline (70.1%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 62.5% of isolates, with tap water showing the highest MDR frequency (72.7%).
Conclusion: The widespread presence of ARB, especially MDR strains, in drinking water underscores the urgent need for improved water treatment, routine monitoring, and stringent regulation of antibiotic use. These interventions are critical to mitigating AMR risks and ensuring safe water access.
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