Genetic Diversity, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Screening, and Potential Public Health Implications of Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered from Man-Made Lakes and Surrounding Vegetables
The emergence and dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria pose a major public health threat, necessitating a One Health approach to addressing this threat. Thus, the diversity, ESBL production, and potential public health implications of Gram-negative bacteria recovered from man-made lakes and surrounding lettuce in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire were assessed in this study. Also, the lakes’ physicochemical parameters were assessed and correlated with bacteria community using Pearson correlation. A total of 68 Gram-negative bacterial isolates were recovered from the samples and identified via 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple genus-/species-level variations within the isolates. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent in lake water (39.5%), while Acinetobacter was the dominant genus in lettuce (30%). E. coli isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (90.9%), cefepime (72.7%), cefotaxime (68.2%), and aztreonam (63.6%). Moreover, ESBL production was confirmed in E. coli isolates (22.05%), predominantly mediated by the blaCTX-M gene. Multidrug-resistant phenotypes were widespread, yielding similar multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) values in water (0.27–0.63) and lettuce (0.27–0.81). These data indicate high environmental contamination, which unfortunately is not being taken into account by lettuce producers according to an interview. Statistical analyses showed a significant relationship between bacterial diversity and lakes’ physicochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The basic education level of farmers, the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli, and the high prevalence of MDR Gram-negative bacteria in both environmental and crop sources in Yamoussoukro underscore the need for both integrated surveillance and management strategies to mitigate potential microbial public health risks within a One Health framework.