Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Escherichia coli in Household Drinking Water from Rural Areas of Gurugram, Haryana

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Escherichia coli in drinking water from rural areas of Gurugram, Haryana, India. Over 120 water samples were collected from various sources (public taps, kitchen taps, bathroom taps, and borewells) across three seasons (monsoon, winter, and summer). The results indicated only 4.17% of groundwater samples showed contamination. While as in the municipal tap water samples from different sources reveal varying levels of E. coli contamination. Public taps exhibited the highest contamination, with 33.33% of samples testing positive for E. coli, while 66.67% showed no microbial growth. Bathroom taps had a lower contamination rate, with 23.33% of samples positive for E. coli and 76.67% showing no growth. Kitchen taps were the least contaminated, with 13.33% of samples positive for E. coli and 86.67% showing no growth. These results indicate that public taps are more prone to E. coli contamination compared to bathroom and kitchen taps. The antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed significant resistance against Cefuroxime (58.33%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid (54.17%), and Ciprofloxacin (50%). Notably, Carbapenems (Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem) each showed a resistance rate of 4.17%. All isolates were fully susceptible to Amikacin, with 0% resistance, suggesting that these antibiotics remain largely effective. Additionally, low resistance rates were observed with Piperacillin/Tazobactam (25%), Cefoparazone/Sulbactam (12.50%), Gentamicin (12.50%), and Tigecycline and Fosfomycin (8.33%) respectively. Further study revealed that out of 24 Escherichia coli isolates from rural Gurugram, Haryana, 14 were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with the highest prevalence in public taps (25%), followed by the bathroom (20.83%) and kitchen taps (12.50%). No MDR E. coli was found in borewell water. Additionally, 10 isolates were identified as ESBL-producing, most commonly from public taps (16.66%), with equal distribution in bathroom and kitchen taps (12.50%). Borewell water samples showed no ESBL-producing E. coli.  The results underscore the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in rural water sources, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and improved water quality management to mitigate the spread of resistant E. coli strains.