Genetic Diversity, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Screening, and Potential Public Health Implications of Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered from Man-Made Lakes and Surrounding Vegetables

The emergence and dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria pose a major public health threat, necessitating a One Health approach to addressing this threat. Thus, the diversity, ESBL production, and potential public health implications of Gram-negative bacteria recovered from man-made lakes and surrounding lettuce in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire were assessed in this study. Also, the lakes' physicochemical parameters were assessed and correlated with bacteria community using Pearson correlation. A total of 68 Gram-negative bacterial isolates were recovered from the samples and identified via <i>16S rDNA</i> gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple genus-/species-level variations within the isolates. <i>Escherichia coli</i> was the most prevalent in lake water (39.5%), while <i>Acinetobacter</i> was the dominant genus in lettuce (30%). <i>E. coli</i> isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (90.9%), cefepime (72.7%), cefotaxime (68.2%), and aztreonam (63.6%). Moreover, ESBL production was confirmed in <i>E. coli</i> isolates (22.05%), predominantly mediated by the <i>bla_CTX-M</i> gene. Multidrug-resistant phenotypes were widespread, yielding similar multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) values in water (0.27-0.63) and lettuce (0.27-0.81). These data indicate high environmental contamination, which unfortunately is not being taken into account by lettuce producers according to an interview. Statistical analyses showed a significant relationship between bacterial diversity and lakes' physicochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The basic education level of farmers, the prevalence of ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i>, and the high prevalence of MDR Gram-negative bacteria in both environmental and crop sources in Yamoussoukro underscore the need for both integrated surveillance and management strategies to mitigate potential microbial public health risks within a One Health framework.