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. 2024 Dec 3:12:1440908.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1440908. eCollection 2024.

Antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli in drinking water from one health perspective in low and middle income countries

Belay Desye  1 , Temeselew Woldetsadik Mawugatie  2 , Lakew Asmare  3 , Yawkal Tsega  4 , Dagnachew Melak  5 , Abel Endawkie  5 , Chala Daba  1   6
Affiliations

Antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli in drinking water from one health perspective in low and middle income countries

Belay Desye et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global public health concern, especially in low-resource settings. In low- and middle-income countries, the existing evidence about antimicrobial resistance in drinking water is inconsistence and not comprehensive. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli from drinking water in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: This study was conducted using comprehensive literature searches using various databases such as PubMed, Scientific Direct, HINARI, and Google Scholar. Data extraction was performed using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 14/SE software for analysis. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute's quality appraisal tool to ensure the quality of the included studies. A random effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were also conducted in this study.

Results: The study found that the pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli isolates in drinking water was 37.94% (95% CI: 26.73-49.13). The prevalence of multidrug resistance was 43.65% (95% CI: 31.15-56.15). Regarding specific antimicrobials, the pooled resistance levels of Escherichia coli were 54.65% (95% CI: 41.35-67.96) against contrimoxazole, followed by 48.64% (95% CI: -3.6-101) against amoxicillin and 48% (95% CI: -18.1-114.2) against cefuroxime.

Conclusion: The findings indicated a significant prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water and its multidrug resistance. To address this issue, it recommends focusing on improving basic hygiene and sanitation practices and enhancing water and wastewater treatment systems.

Systematic review registration: Identifier CRD42024533592.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; antimicrobial resistance; drinking water; low and middle income countries; one health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram of this study, 2024.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot for the pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water in LMICs, 2024.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Funnel plot for Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water in LMICs, 2024.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot for the pooled prevalence of MDR of Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water in LMICs, 2024.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Funnel plot of MDR for Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water in LMICs, 2024.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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