Antibiotic enhances the spread of antibiotic resistance among chlorine-resistant bacteria in drinking water distribution system

Abstract

The extensive use of antibiotics leads to the occurrences of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environment. As an emerging environmental pollutant, its pollution in aquatic environment has aroused widespread concern. However, the residues of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in drinking water distribution system were barely reported up to now. Here, we studied the correlation and coordination between chlorine resistance mechanism and antibiotic resistance mechanism of chlorine-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics induce the resistance of chlorine-resistant bacteria (CRB) to NaClO, so that low-dose disinfectants can not inactivate CRB. We put forward a strategy to control the growth of CRB by controlling the concentration of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) in the front section of the water network. Moreover, We screened two strains of chlorine-resistant bacteria with different antibiotic resistance after mixed culture, the results showed that antibiotic resistance could spread horizontally among different kinds of bacteria. Then, the non-pathogenic bacteria can be used as a carrier, causing the pathogen to become resistant to antibiotic, and ultimately pose harm to human health. Generally, the antibiotic, antibiotic resistant genes, and the chlorine disinfectants added in water treatment plants will interact with bacteria in the water supply pipe network, which causes pollution to drinking water.