Alvarez-Pérez, Odalys S.

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    Probing for clinical integrons and integron-encoded antibiotic resistance genes as molecular Indicators of wastewater-related degradation of subtropical coastal environments
    (2011) Alvarez-Pérez, Odalys S.; Rodríguez-Minguela, Carlos M.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Montalvo Rodríguez, Rafael; Maldonado Ramírez, Sandra L.; Department of Biology; Navarro, Ana
    Wastewater discharges comprise the main source of fecal contamination across coastal environments in Puerto Rico. Enteric bacteria from hospital settings are frequently key hosts of integrons, a genetic system encoding multiple antibiotic resistance (ABR) genes. Nevertheless, it is unknown if bacterial hosts of integrons loaded with antibiotic resistance genes could become established across local coastal habitats. Using PCR and DNA sequencing analyses, prevalence patterns of integron integrases (classes 1, 2 and 3) and class 1-encoded ABR genes were detected in DNA samples recovered from wastewater-contaminated mangrove, beach and estuarine environments. Bacteriological analyses of mangrove ecosystems revealed that sediments and the rhizosphere are significant reservoirs of fecal bacteria (enterococci and fecal coliforms). Six different integron-encoded ABR genes were detected across impacted sites. These were related to determinants conferring resistance against four antimicrobial agents (aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and third generation cephalosporins) used for the treatment of infections of the urinary, respiratory and digestive tract in humans. Genes encoding resistance against disinfectants widely used in hospitals (quaternary ammonium compounds) were also detected. Genes encoding resistance against cephalosporins were specifically detected in wastewater-impacted mangrove and esturarine ecosystems. This study revealed that wastewatercontaminated coastal habitats are reservoirs of bacteria carrying ABR genes and that integrons may serve as indicators of fecal contamination and potential health risks at impacted sites.