Antimicrobial Resistant Salmonella in Canal Water in Bangkok, Thailand: Survey Results Between 2016 and 2019

Saowapa Khotchalai (), Fuangfa Utrarachkij, Angkana Lekagul, Wanwisa Kaewkhankhaeng and Viroj Tangcharoensathien
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Saowapa Khotchalai: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Fuangfa Utrarachkij: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Angkana Lekagul: International Health Policy Program Foundation, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Wanwisa Kaewkhankhaeng: International Health Policy Program Foundation, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program Foundation, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental reservoirs is an emerging global health concern, particularly in urban settings with inadequate wastewater management. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and resistance profiles of Salmonella spp. in canal water in Bangkok and assess the distribution of key antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 1381 water samples were collected from 29 canals. Salmonella spp. were isolated using standard microbiological methods and tested for susceptibility to 13 antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes and class 1 integron. Salmonella was found in 89.7% of samples. Among these, 62.1% showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and 54.8% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was observed against streptomycin (41.4%). ESBL genes, predominantly blaCTX-M , were detected in 72.2% of tested isolates, while class 1 integrons were found in 67.8%, indicating a strong potential for gene dissemination. The results highlight urban canals as critical environment reservoirs of AMR Salmonella serovars, posing significant public health risks, particularly where canal water is used for agriculture, household, or recreational purposes. Strengthened environmental surveillance and effective wastewater regulation are urgently needed to mitigate AMR bacteria transmission at the human–environment–animal interface.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; multidrug-resistant; Salmonella spp.; One Health; environment health; urban canals; wastewater; ESBL; integron (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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