Occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing escherichia coli in groundwater

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital source of clean water globally. The presence of E.coli, specifically ESBL-producing E.coli (ESBL-Ec), in groundwater can pose a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of E.coli and ESBL-Ec in five groundwater samples (A1-A5) near the Cipayung landfill, as well as one groundwater (A6) from a residential area. Morevorer, one septic tank sample located near A6 was also collected (ST). Characterization of the the blaCTX-M gene associated with cefotaxime resistance were conducted. Phenotypic analysis involved the Double Disk Sinergy Test to confirm ESBL enzyme activity against antibiotics, while genotypic analysis utilized the Multiplex PCR to characterize the blaCTX-M gene. Results indicated that the E. coli concentrations in groundwater ranged from (4.0 ± 2.0) × 10-1 CFU/100 mL to (4.0 ± 0.3) × 103 CFU/100 mL. ESBL-Ec was consistently detected at A1, A2, A4, and ST with average concentrations of (6.5 ± 3.0) × 100 CFU/100 mL, (1.3 ± 0.5) × 100 CFU/100 mL, (1.1 ± 0.1) × 101 CFU/100 mL, and (7.2 ± 1.1) × 103 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Multiplex PCR revealed the presence of blaCTX-M group 1 and group 2 genes at samples A1, A2, A4, and ST. This study highlighted the need for preventive measures to minimize ESBL-Ec spread in groundwater.