Water Quality and Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) in Sungai Terengganu, Malaysia

Noor Haza Fazlin  Hashim; Muhammad Azroie  Mohamed Yusoff; Rachel Anak Trevor Gunggang; Roslina  Abdul Razak; Muhamad Zulfatihi  Jaafar; Nasehir Khan  E.M. Yahaya

doi:10.55230/mabjournal.v53i4.3088

Authors

Noor Haza Fazlin Hashim
hazafazlin@nahrim.gov.my
Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Muhammad Azroie Mohamed Yusoff Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Rachel Anak Trevor Gunggang Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Roslina Abdul Razak Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Muhamad Zulfatihi Jaafar Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Nasehir Khan E.M. Yahaya Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Jalan Putra Permai, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Keywords:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), environment, Malaysia, water

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global issue impacting human, animal, and environmental health, as well as economic security. Water bodies, especially, are now recognized for their role in the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, though standardized monitoring methods are lacking. This study investigates the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in the Sungai Terengganu River in Malaysia, focusing on water quality and ESBL E. coli monitoring. Sampling was conducted twice in 2023 at 13 locations along the river. Overall, the water quality index (WQI) classified the river as Class II (WQI = 81), with upstream regions rated as Class I, indicating minimal anthropogenic impact. Higher Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in downstream areas suggested organic pollution from anthropogenic activities. Four metal elements exceeded the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS): Al (0.88 mg/L), Fe (3.45 mg/L), Cu (0.102 mg/L), and Hg (2.525 mg/L). No Pb, Cr, Se, Sn, or As were detected. Statistical analysis showed better water quality correlates with lower microbial contamination. ESBL E. coli was found in 8 of 13 sampling sites (61.5%), with the highest concentration at 800 CFU/100 mL. From 40 presumptive ESBL isolates tested, 87.5% (35 isolates) were positive for ESBL and carried additional drug resistance genes, including mcr-1, tetW, sul-1, and sul-2. These findings indicate a concerning presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the river, representing a potential public health risk.

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