Abstract
The genus Aliarcobacter, recognized as an emerging pathogen in aquatic environments [1], has been identified as one of the most abundant bacterial groups in wastewater [2]. In this study, 12 sampling points across the city of Valencia and 6 points within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were analyzed to assess the presence and diversity of Aliarcobacter species. Results revealed a high prevalence of different species of the genus, with A. cryaerophilus being the most abundant. The latter remained dominant even in treated effluent samples, suggesting notable resistance to conventional treatment processes. The persistent presence of A. cryaerophilus in treated water highlights its relevance in the OneHealth context, given its zoonotic potential and resistance to multiple antibiotic classes [3]. This study underscores the value of bioinformatic tools for monitoring emerging pathogens and improving wastewater treatment strategies to mitigate public health risks.
References:
1. Collado, L., & Figueras, M. J. (2011). Taxonomy, Epidemiology, and Clinical Relevance of the Genus Arcobacter. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 24(1), 174¿192.
2. Ramos, B. et al. (2024). Metagenomic profiling of raw wastewater in Portugal highlights microbiota and resistome signatures of public health interest beyond the usual suspects. Science of the Total Environment, 946.
3. Ferreira, S et al. (2019). A meta-analytic perspective on Arcobacter spp. antibiotic resistance. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance (Vol. 16, pp. 130¿139). Elsevier Ltd.
Acknowledgements:
This research was funded by the Valencian Agency for Innovation through the project INNEST/2023/40.
