Environmental Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Varying Aquatic Environments of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) increasingly detected in natural waters where they can persist and spread via mobile genetic elements. Karst aquifers, such as those of the Yucatán Peninsula, are highly permeable and vulnerable to contamination from surface sources. This study surveyed eight aquatic sites in Quintana Roo, Mexico, for eight ARGs using endpoint PCR. Sites included four cenotes (VL, AAS, RV, LL), a drainage canal (CN), a rural drinking well (PZ), and municipal wastewater influent/effluent (IF, EF). One water sample per site was analyzed for intI1, blaTEM, ampC, mecA, ermA, aacA, tetA, and tetW. This study aims to present the first multi-site survey of these ARGs in the varied aquatic environments of Quintana Roo’s karst aquifer system. These results will provide a molecular baseline for environmental surveillance in a region where genetic contaminants are not currently included in water quality monitoring.