Özet:

Abstract Introduction: During the last few decades, various organic micropollutants, including antibiotics, have been released into the environment because of anthropogenic activities. These drugs are poorly biodegradable and very persistent, such that when they accumulate in aquatic systems, they provide a favorable environment for the selection and proliferation of resistant microorganisms. Objective: Evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profile of isolated strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp taken from the Marambaia river and its adjacent beach, in Balneário Camboriú, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Method: The sampling was divided into six collections, with a total of thirty-six samples, across all seasons of the year.  Subsequently, microbiological analyses and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. Data analysis was performed using the software programs Excel and Past, version 4.03, through exploratory and descriptive analyses. Results: The results showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms at all sampling points, indicating the influence of the river outflow on the beach. Moreover, the concentrations of E. coli found in the sampling points are not compliant with Conama Resolution 357/2005,  except for the points Marambaia 1 and Praia 3. The MAR index for Staphylococcus showed high risks for multidrug resistance, with no differences for the time and place of collection. Ninety-six strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The isolated strains showed greater resistance to antibiotics erythromycin and clindamycin. Conclusions: The presence of E. coli is worrisome because it is a thermotolerant coliform, indicative of recent fecal contamination. The presence of resistance mechanisms in these bacteria can modify the local microbiota, putting the health of the population at risk. As for Staphylococcus spp., through the evaluation of the MAR index, high risks of multidrug resistance were found for most of the sampled locations and at any time of collection. In addition, few strains were sensitive to all antibiotics tested. The resistance mechanisms that occur in Gram-positives, despite differing from those that occur in Gram-negatives, are equally worrisome, whether from a microbiological point of view or in terms of public health.

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