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Detection of Antibiotic-Resistance Genes in Drinking Water: A Study at a University in the Peruvian Amazon

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  • Euclides Ticona Chayña

    (Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua, Jr. Ancash Nro. 520, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Pompeyo Ferro

    (Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua, Jr. Ancash Nro. 520, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Eli Morales-Rojas

    (Instituto de Investigación en Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (IITIC), Facultad de Ingeniería y Sistemas y Mecánica Eléctrica, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Jr. Libertad Nro 1300, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Ana Lucia Ferro-Gonzales

    (Departamento Académico de Gestión y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional de Juliaca, Av. Nueva Zelandia 631, Juliaca 21101, Peru)

  • Jorge Bautista Nuñez

    (Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua, Jr. Ancash Nro. 520, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Edwaldo Villanueva Pedraza

    (Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia Tecnológica, Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua, Jr. Ancash Nro. 520, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Jorge Antonio Malca Florindes

    (Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Empresariales, Universidad Nacional Intercultural Fabiola Salazar Leguía de Bagua, Jr. Ancash Nro. 520, Bagua 01721, Peru)

  • Polan Ferro-Gonzales

    (Departamento Académico de la Facultad de Ingeniería Económica, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Av. Floral No 1153, Puno 21101, Peru)

Abstract

This study investigated the presence of antibiotic-resistance genes in drinking water consumed by the university community in the Peruvian Amazon. Water samples were collected from three primary sources: inflow from the distribution network, a storage cistern, and an underground intake. Conventional PCR was employed to detect genes associated with resistance to erythromycin ( ermC ), ampicillin ( amp ), ciprofloxacin ( QEP ), multidrug resistance ( marA ), and specific multidrug resistance in E. coli ( qEmarA ). Physicochemical analysis revealed compliance with most regulatory standards; however, groundwater samples showed lead concentrations exceeding legal limits (0.72 mg/L) and lacked residual chlorine. All sampling points tested positive for the evaluated resistance genes, demonstrating the widespread dissemination of resistance factors in drinking water. Contrary to initial expectations, resistance genes were also prevalent in treated sources. These findings reveal a critical public health risk for the university community, emphasising the need for effective disinfection systems and robust monitoring protocols to ensure water safety. The presence of these resistance genes in water is a critical public health concern as it can facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria, reducing the effectiveness of medical treatments and increasing the risk of infections that are difficult to control.

Suggested Citation

  • Euclides Ticona Chayña & Pompeyo Ferro & Eli Morales-Rojas & Ana Lucia Ferro-Gonzales & Jorge Bautista Nuñez & Edwaldo Villanueva Pedraza & Jorge Antonio Malca Florindes & Polan Ferro-Gonzales, 2025. "Detection of Antibiotic-Resistance Genes in Drinking Water: A Study at a University in the Peruvian Amazon," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:353-:d:1601692
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