Antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and presence of colistin resistance mcr genes in Escherichia coli and Aeromonas spp. isolated from water samples

BAREL M., KÖŞKEROĞLU K., HIZLISOY H., ARSLAN R. S., HIZLISOY S.

Microbial Pathogenesis, vol.205, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 205
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107716
  • Journal Name: Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Aeromonas spp., Antibiotic resistance, E. coli, Public health, Water hygiene
  • Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigated the presence of Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Escherichia coli. Within the scope of the study, between November 2020 and September 2022, 600 water samples (springs, ponds, and drinking waters) were used as materials. Isolation and identification tests were performed to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp., Aeromonas spp., and E. coli through MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight). K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, and Salmonella spp. were not found in any isolate. However, Aeromonas spp., and E. coli were found at 1 % (8/600) and 2 % (14/600), respectively. Aeromonas spp. isolates were identified as 1.5 (4/600) A. veronii, 0.5 (3/600) A. media and 0.1 (1/600) A. caviae. The biofilm-forming ability was observed in 14 (100 %) of 14 E. coli strains with the microplate method. Out of 14 biofilm-forming E. coli strains, 2 (14 %) demonstrated strong, 10 (71 %) moderate, and 2 (14 %) weak production. Moreover, out of 8 biofilms forming Aeromonas spp. strains, 3 (37.5 %) demonstrated strong, 3 (37.5 %) moderate, and 2 (25 %) weak production. Colistin-related genes (mcr-3/7, 1/2/6, mcr-4, mcr-5 and mcr-8) were identified by Real-Time PCR. As a result of real time PCR, Aeromonas spp. it was determined that 37 % (3/8) of the isolates carried the mcr-3/7 gene. It was determined that A. veronii and A. media carried the mcr-3/7 gene at rates of 66 % (2/3) and 33 % (1/3). However, mcr-1/2/6, mcr-4, mcr-5 and mcr-8 genes were not found in the examined Aeromonas spp. isolates. Hereby, factors that play a role in the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains should be identified, and necessary precautions should be taken.