Wastewater microbiology: occurrence and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant extended-spectrum -lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the district wastewater system.

Extended spectrum -lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, including and , pose a serious risk to human health because of antibiotic resistance. Wastewater serves as a reservoir for these bacteria, contributing to the evolution and transmission of antibiotic-resistant strains. The research aims to identify ESBL bacterium in wastewater samples from District Kohat. and were confirmed as ESBL-producing bacteria through a comprehensive array of diagnostic procedures, including Gram staining, biochemical analyses, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fecal coliform count (FCC) analyses revealed varying microorganism levels. Both and isolates showed ESBL enzyme expression, indicating antibiotic resistance. Resistance patterns included ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for both species. displayed higher sensitivity for chloramphenicol, trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin. Ceftazidime minimum inhibitory concentration results showed 's higher resistance. The study accentuates the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains, emphasizing the value of effective wastewater treatment. The study provides crucial insights into microbial characteristics, fecal contamination, ESBL production, and antibiotic resistance in and isolates, advocating for monitoring and mitigation strategies.