Abstract
We are confronting a new threat in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria followed by epidemic spread in aquatic environments in metropolitan areas because damage from river floods is increasing remarkably in Japan due to global extreme weather. The sewer penetration rate is about 100% in Tokyo and reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants accounts for over 50% of all water in both the down- and mid-stream areas of local rivers. The water quality of these rivers, which contain microflora, seems to be seriously affected by reclaimed water. In this study, we collected water samples on July 17, 2018 and examined the behavior of antibiotic-resistant fecal coliforms in the stream of a sewage treatment plant in Tokyo. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing fecal coliforms with encoding genes were found; the CTX-M-1, CTX-M-9, TEM, and SHV groups were found to have survived in the final effluent to the river after sterilization with sodium hypochlorite.
Highlights
We are confronting a new threat in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria followed by epidemic spread in aquatic environments in metropolitan areas because damage from river floods is increasing remarkably in Japan due to global extreme weather
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing fecal coliforms with encoding genes were found; the CTX-M-1, CTX-M-9, TEM, and SHV groups were found to have survived in the final effluent to the river after sterilization with sodium hypochlorite
We are confronting a new threat in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) followed by epidemic spread in aquatic environments in metropolitan areas because damage from river floods is increasing remarkably due to global extreme weather
Summary
The production and use (or overuse) of another antibiotic may trigger the appearance of new ARB, and so on, creating a vicious circle between humans and pathogens [1]. ARB often arose in places in advanced countries where large amounts of antibiotics were used, such as medical facilities, and livestock or fish farms. ARB spread through urban or natural environments, affecting human lives in both advanced and developing countries [2] [3]. Β-lactam antibiotics with antibacterial activity that inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell walls have the highest consumption among antibiotics worldwide and medical practice is seeing β-lactamase-producing bacteria created by natural mutations that are beginning to pose a serious threat. We have seen the appearance of Enterobacteriaceae with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), which are considered to be among the most dangerous ARB in the world [4] [5] [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
