Evaluation of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial strains isolated from Antarctica

Abstract

The discovery of antibiotics transformed the treatment of bacterial infections, but their excessive use has led to the accumulation of these compounds in the environment and the spread of resistant microorganisms, even in isolated regions such as Antarctica. This study evaluated the resistance of Antarctic bacteria to five groups of antibiotics (β-lactams, cephalosporins, quinolones, macrolides and sulfonamides), considering the level of human intervention at their isolation sites. Sixteen strains were analyzed by disk diffusion antibiograms, incubating the cultures at 10°C for one week. The results showed variations in resistance depending on the location. Livingston and Deception Islands presented the highest levels of resistance, with strains UTB 117 and UTB 118 (Pseudomonas mandelii) and UTB 145 (Pseudomonas antarctica) standing out, resistant to all the antibiotics evaluated. In addition, 80% of the strains showed resistance to dicloxacillin. These findings suggest that antimicrobial resistance in Antarctica is influenced by proximity to scientific bases, human activity and pollution