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Abstract
Stream and river surface waters that span human-developed areas receive waste products, e.g., pharmaceuticals and fecal matter, from degraded sewer pipelines, water reclamation facility (WRF) effluent, improperly maintained septic systems, and impervious surface run-off. Recently, surface waters have received attention as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and diversity of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to beta-lactam and carbapenem antibiotics. On four dates spanning one year (2018), we collected surface water samples from 54 stream/river sites, and on three of the four dates, influent and effluent from 3 water reclamation facilities (WRFs). We detected extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in 22.5% (38/169) of surface water, 66.69% (6/9) influent, and 11.11% (1/9) effluent samples. Additionally, we detected carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in 13.0% (22/169) of surface water and 33.3% (3/9) effluent samples. This study yields preliminary evidence that warrants further investigation into the function of surface waters as reservoirs, or conduits, of antimicrobial resistance.