Antibiotic-resistant bacteria X-rayed in bioaerosols from the Edonwhii beach atmosphere in eastern Nigeria

Popular recreation centers like beaches can serve as reservoirs for airborne pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), posing potential public health risks. This study assessed the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria in bioaerosols at Edonwhii Beach, a high-traffic coastal area in Nigeria. Air samples were collected using a Thermo Scientific N6 Single Stage Andersen Cascade Impactor following standardized procedures. Culturable bacterial density and diversity were analyzed across dry and rainy seasons, and isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The study revealed high culturable bacterial densities, with airborne heterotrophic bacteria ranging from 6.7 ± 4.0×10³ to 9.8 ± 6.0×10⁴ CFU/m³ in the dry season and 4.0 ± 4.5×10⁴ to 6.8 ± 3.0×10⁴ CFU/m³ in the rainy season. Bacillus species were the most prevalent, with B. subtilis (80%) and B. cereus (70%) dominating in the dry season, while Klebsiella sp. and Proteus sp. showed lower prevalence (10–20%). Notably, gram-positive isolates exhibited high resistance to Amoxil (70.3%), Erythromycin (59.5%), and Norfloxacin (64.9%) in the dry season and Ampiclox (66.7%) in the wet season. Levofloxacin (70.3% sensitivity) and ciprofloxacin (72.2%) were the most effective antibiotics. The findings highlight Edonwhii Beach as a potential hotspot for antibiotic-resistant bioaerosols, emphasizing the need for robust surveillance systems to monitor ARB emergence and transmission. Such measures are critical for mitigating public health risks, particularly in coastal regions with high human activity and environmental antibiotic resistance drivers. • Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in bioaerosol in the Edonwhii Beach has been studied. • The study revealed high culturable bacterial density and diversity in the bioaerosols samples. • Higher sensitivities were observed with levofloxacin (70.3%) and ciprofloxacin (72.2%). • The isolates showed varying susceptibility patterns to commercially available antibiotics. • Robust monitoring of the emergence of the pathogens in the Beach atmosphere is recommended.