Antimicrobial susceptibility in bacterial isolates from water and agricultural products of the Chanchán river, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: river contamination with pathogenic and multidrug-resistant microorganisms is a public health issue due to its impact on health and its potential to transmit infectious diseases. Objective: To determine the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in irrigation water samples and agricultural products from the Chachán River. Method: a descriptive, non-experimental study with a quantitative and cross-sectional approach was conducted. Water samples were collected from six different points, and pH and temperature were measured. Additionally, 13 agricultural product samples from the same points were analyzed. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria were performed using the VITEK2 system and amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Results: a total of 17 bacterial strains were isolated from the water samples, 16 of which (94 %) belonged to the order Enterobacterales, including Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii, and Citrobacter diversus. From the agricultural products, 24 bacteria were isolated, including species of Klebsiella, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in various strains, notably P. mirabilis, C. diversus, and P. vulgaris with multiple resistances. Resistance was also identified in pathogenic strains such as Yersinia enterocolitica, Plesiomonas shigelloides, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Conclusions: the Chachan River and the agricultural products irrigated with its waters contain multidrug-resistant bacteria, posing a significant risk to public health. It is crucial to implement control and monitoring measures to reduce the spread of these pathogens and ensure food safety