CTX-M-Producing Bacteria Isolated from a Highly Polluted River System in Portugal

Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporins are a great concern for public health, as these are first-line drugs to treat infections. The production of carbapenemases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or the overexpression of AmpC beta-lactamases are the main mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics. Among the ESBLs, CTX-M beta-lactamases are the most prevalent worldwide. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae along a heavily polluted river and characterize bla(CTX-M) carriers. River water was collected in 11 sites along the main course and tributaries, in two sampling moments. Water quality was evaluated and a collection of cefotaxime-resistant isolates was obtained. bla(CTX-M) carriers were characterized regarding phylogenetic affiliation, clonality, antibiotic susceptibility, gene diversity, and context. Water presented very low quality in all sites. From 147 cefotaxime-resistant isolates, 46% carried bla(CTX-M) and were affiliated with Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter. Molecular typing revealed clonal isolates in different sites and over the two years, suggesting survival of the strains in the river or continuous pollution inputs from the same sources. Eight variants of bla(CTX-M) were found, with bla(CTX-M-15) being the most prevalent (52.5%). Sites with a lower water quality showed the highest resistance rates and prevalence of bla(CTX-M), suggesting that river water may embody human health risks.

Automated summary

The study found a significant prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporins in a heavily polluted river, with over half carrying bla(CTX-M), indicating potential health risks to humans from river water.