Occurrence and genetic characteristics of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates co-harboring antimicrobial resistance genes and metal tolerance genes in aquatic ecosystems

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolates (n = 50) were recovered from aquatic ecosystems, which presented high counts of E. coli and metal values within the recommended range. These isolates showed different multidrug resistance profiles, highlighting the resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, polymyxins, and fluoroquinolones. Several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were found, spotlighting the presence of at least one beta-lactamase-encoding gene in each E. coli isolate. Substitutions in the quinolone resistance-determining regions and the two-component systems involving PhoP/PhoQ and PmrA/PmrB were also found. The metal tolerance gene rcnA (nickel and cobalt efflux pump) was the most prevalent. In this regard, 94% of E. coli isolates presented the co-occurrence of at least one ARG and metal tolerance gene. Furthermore, virulence genes and genetic diversity were found among MDR E. coli isolates. The emergence of potentially pathogenic isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance and metal tolerance emerged as a global health problem at the human-animal -environment interface.