Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Activity and Cephalosporin Resistance in Escherichia coli from U.S. Mid-Atlantic Surface and Reclaimed Water
Sultana Solaiman, Eric T. Handy, Taylor Brinks, Kasey Goon, Chris Bollinger, Amy R. Sapkota, Manan Sharma, Shirley A. Micallef
Abstract
Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria, that are resistant to a broad range of antimicrobial agents, are spreading in the environment but data remain scarce. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli infections in the community are on the rise. This work was conducted to assess presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in water that could be used for irrigation of fresh produce. The study provides the most extensive evaluation of ESBL-producing E. coli in surface and reclaimed water in the mid-Atlantic United States. The prevalence of ESBL producers was low and phenotypic resistance to cephalosporins (types of β-lactam antibiotics) was affected by season but not water type. Data on antimicrobial resistance among E. coli populations in water can inform decisions on safety of irrigation water sources and One Health.