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Superbugs Found in Oxford Rivers Spark Health Fears
16 Feb
Summary
- 97% of river samples tested positive for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Untreated sewage spill showed 8,600cfu/100ml of ESBLs.
- Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat, WHO states.
Widespread traces of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been detected in Oxford's river systems, according to a recent study. Researchers found that 97% of samples taken from four sites, including the Thames Water sewage treatment outfall, tested positive for ESBLs, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.
Concerns are growing over potential public health risks, particularly for those using the river for recreation. During a recent untreated sewage spill, levels of ESBLs reached 8,600 colony forming units per 100ml. While there are no legal limits for ESBLs, this is significantly higher than the threshold for E. Coli to deem water unsuitable for bathing.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), under which ESBLs fall, is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the most serious global health threats. Campaign groups are calling for year-round water sampling and a multi-agency effort to understand and address these risks. Thames Water stated that bacteria are normal in treated wastewater and their operations meet Environment Agency standards, which do not mandate disinfection.
