Resistome profiling and bacterial community structure of semi-urban gutter ecosystems of India

This study investigated antibiotic-resistant bacteria in six urban gutter systems in Roorkee, India, using metagenomic analysis. High levels of resistance were found to several antibiotic classes, including penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and antifolates. Beta-lactamase activity—an enzyme linked to antibiotic breakdown—was detected in nearly all samples. The dominant bacterial families were Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae, with common genera including Pseudomonas and Escherichia. Analysis revealed shared metabolic pathways that may promote antibiotic resistance development. Overall, the study shows that urban gutter water harbors diverse, antibiotic-resistant bacterial communities that could threaten both environmental and human health.