Role of water as a reservoir of antimicrobial‐resistant <scp><i>Escherichia coli</i></scp> in the environment of Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract Population growth, industrialization and climate change put continuous pressure on the quality and quantity of water resources. The aim of the present study is to understand the role of aquifers that receive residues from human activity, as a reservoir of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria of clinical importance, to contribute to the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. Water samples were taken at 34 strategic points in the province of Tucumán in three periods (dry season, wet season and dry seasons with high industry activity) to evaluate physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. The enumeration of E. coli was higher in the wet season (February–March) with substantial increase of turbidity; however, in the three periods (dry season, wet season and dry season with industrial activity) were isolated extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL)‐producing E. coli and fluoroquinolone‐resistant strains. In this first report of antimicrobial resistance in the rivers of Tucumán, we demonstrated the importance of monitoring programmes to provide data on water quality and justify the need for rigorous environmental control measures.