The Institute of Innovation in Biotechnology and Industry (Iibi) warned that the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria common in the Ozama Ríos, Isabela, Yaque del Norte and Yaque del Sur It represents a risk to public health and raises the need to reinforce environmental surveillance and wastewater treatment.
The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the Iibi In collaboration with Intec, Isfodos and Isa universities, it detected Microorganisms as Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacterclassified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as priorities for its medication resistance.
These bacteria They are associated with intestinal, urinary, respiratory and skin infections.
Research used full genome and metagenomic sequencing techniquestowhich allowed not only Identify the bacteria present in the riversbut also determine their abilities and Dispersion routes.
The results show that, being present in the environment, these bacteria They can reach food, in the drinking water or people who use the rivers To bathe or work, complicating the treatment of possible infections.
Zone findings
In the Ozama and Isabela riverslocated in densely populated urban areas, they were found resistant bacteria related to Downloads domestic and industrial.
In it Yaque del Nortethe analysis from the nascent to agricultural and urban areas showed a Increase in intestinal bacteria as E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
In it Yaque del Surthe sediments revealed DNA of vibrio cholerae (cholera) and salmonella (gastroenteritis), which represents a risk if the water is used without treatment.
Who did the study?
He Iibidirected by the engineer Osmar Olivo, stressed that the river water It is essential for everyday life, agricultural production and the economy, and that the bacterial resistance Threat to become more prolonged, expensive and less effective medical treatments.
The institution urged citizens to avoid self -medication, promote the responsible use of antibiotics and strengthen awareness about Care of Hydrographic Sources. He also called the authorities to prioritize the Proper treatment of wastewater and reinforce environmental monitoring systems.
The project was funded by the Mescyt – Fondocyt And he had the Student participation of degree and postgraduate of the associated universities. The Complete monitoring data In the Yaque they will be published in the coming months in international scientific journals.
