Virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens from landfill leachate

Abstract

A total of 34 isolates of bacteria, 20 Staphylococus aureus and 14 Clostridium perfringens from leachate samples, were investigated for virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. Majority (>70%) of the isolates produced enterotoxins. Many of the S. aureus isolates tested positive for deoxyribonuclease, haemolysins and slime production. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) was the predominant enterotoxin produced by the S. aureus. None of the S. aureus was resistant to ciprofloxacin, novobiocin and vancomycin. Six isolates were resistant to methicillin and majority of them were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and bacitracin. Eleven (78.6%) of the C. perfringens isolates produced enterotoxin and were also beta haemolytic. Except for one strain each of C. perfringens which were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin-sulbaltam respectively, all others were susceptible to the antibiotics tested. The presence of several of the virulence traits investigated and resistance to commonly used antibiotics in many of the S. aureus and C. perfringens tested raises concern about their dissemination through leachate to the environment. The accumulation of leachate and possible contamination of surface and groundwater sources also points out its potential risk for public health. There is need for some measures to properly manage waste and consequently reduce surface and groundwater contamination through leachate percolation.

Occurrence of Antibiotics and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Landfill Sites in Kumasi, Ghana

“…Exposure of these microbes to sublethal concentrations of the antimicrobial agents may trigger events that will lead to the acquisition of resistance genes [21,22]. Many studies in various parts of the world have documented the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and/or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from leachates and soils of landfills with some being identified as pathogenic strains [23][24][25].…”

Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Waste Dumping Site in Ujjain City, India

“…20 The practice of not sorting municipal solid waste at source leads to indiscriminate disposal of unused/ expired medicines in municipal solid waste and presence of antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs at such sites creates selective pressure and helps in developing multidrug resistant bacteria due to mutations. 10,17,21,22 The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria at such sites may be hazardous to the health of municipality workers, animals and residents of nearby areas. The infections caused by drug resistant bacteria are difficult to treat and increase the cost of medical expenditures.…”

Determination and Monitoring of Tetracycline and Degradation Products in Landfill Leachate

“…There are some studies about the TC resistance in landfill leachates. Efuntoye et al investigated 34 isolates of bacteria from landfill leachates for antibiotic resistance. They reported that the isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to TC at 40%.…”