Public Health Implications of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in the U-Tapao Canal, South of Thailand: A Study of Escherichia coli and Associated Gram-Negative Bacteria
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Abstract
Water-borne diseases are a major global public health concern, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, E. coli and the associated culturable bacteria were investigated from 7 water sampling locations along the 26 kilometers of U-Tapao Canal, an important aquatic source in southern Thailand. Five E. coli strains were obtained from 3 water samples (3/21, prevalence of 14%). Two of five were multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli. One E. coli strain was resistant to imipenem, suggesting that it was a carbapenem-resistant E. coli. All five E. coli strains exhibited γ-hemolysis on blood agar and produced catalase, suggesting their virulence to some extent. Fifteen diverse bacterial strains other than E. coli were also found and classified into 12 distinct bacterial species using MALDI-TOF MS. The finding of E. coli and other bacterial species in the U-Tapao Canal in this study highlights the microbial contamination inhabiting this canal and emphasizes the potential risk of water-borne diseases among inhabitants residing in the vicinity. This study strengthens the need for systematic microbiological monitoring of water quality, promoting public health and environmental safety.
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