Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance Vary Widely Among Rivers

KREMS, Austria - March 19, 2025 - PRLog -- A new study provides important insights into the spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in different river systems. The study, conducted by researchers from the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) and partner organizations, uses a comprehensive, harmonized methodology that has been applied for the first time to compare different rivers. By analysing samples from four Lower Austrian rivers at different times of the year, it was possible to compare resistance trends with unprecedented statistical certainty. At the same time, a baseline for ABR pollution in Lower Austrian rivers was established for the first time. The results show that human faecal pollution is a critical factor in the spread of resistance genes in the aquatic environment. However, the nature and extent of this pollution varies greatly between rivers, despite the generally low levels of pollution in the rivers studied. This highlights the need for targeted monitoring, for which the work of KL Krems now provides an effective methodological basis.

Surface waters play a crucial role in the spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Sewage treatment plants, agricultural run-off and other sources of pollution contribute significantly to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Despite growing awareness, previous studies have used different methodologies and have mostly focused on individual water systems. This makes it impossible to compare them. Researchers at KL Krems have now developed a harmonized and cross-river study design that allows data from different rivers to be compared.

More Info here: https://kris.kl.ac.at/de/publications/using-a-harmonised-study-design-and-quantitative-toolbox-reveals-

Scientific Contact

Prof. Andreas Farnleitner

Prof. Alexander Kirschner

Division Water Quality and Health

Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences

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+43 2732 72090 394

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