Journal of Veterinary Research and Clinical Care
ISSN: 3065-9000 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9000
Imon Roy, Gowthami N, Shoa Shamsi, Kousalya S, Nikhilesh Unnikrishnan, Prerak Shah, Avinash Krishnamurthy, Shivananda R.S, Ayushi Biswas, Srivalli Kiran, Vishwanath Srikantaiah, Maneesh Paul Satyaseela, Ramakrishna Prasad and Varsha Shridhar
Abstract
We sought to explore the potential of wastewater surveillance to detect hyperlocal AMR patterns of clinically relevant Gramnegative bacteria against key antimicrobial classes and examine implications for community-level antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).
Methods
Intracity open drains: Between March and April 2022, samples from 66 open drain sites (containing untreated wastewater and rainwater) across the eight administrative zones of Bengaluru city in southern India were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity profiles against key antibiotic classes using standard microbiological methods. Intercity treated-wastewater (TWW) channels: TWW from Bengaluru is pumped to peri-urban areas to rejuvenate dried lakes and increase groundwater levels. We tested the lake waters and surrounding open wells for AMR, antibiotic levels and heavy metals in June and September 2023.
Results
Intracity drains: About 28% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates (82% of total isolates) were susceptible to all antibiotic classes while 12% were resistant to all. Carbapenem resistant microorganisms were found in several sites. Testing cost was ~INR 5,000 (USD 53)/sample for consumables. Intercity channels: Certain antibiotics (amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, isoniazid, fluconazole and linezolid) were detected. However, no heavy metals were present. No isolates resistant to all antibiotic classes tested were found. Additional costs for antibiotics and heavy metal testing were ~INR 20,000 (USD 206)/sample.
Discussion
Our results indicate: a) drug resistant bacteria are found in significant numbers in intracity open drains b) Significant geographical variation in AMR patterns, underscoring the need for hyperlocal AMR intelligence and community-relevant stewardship approaches.
Conclusion
Wastewater surveillance is a feasible and cost-effective method for generating hyperlocal community-level AMR intelligence in urban and peri-urban settings.