In view of the continuously discharging of antibiotic resistance in
aquatic habitats, this study used a molecular approach that bypasses
the limitations of cultivation methods used in e.g. hospitals to detect
and quantify genes and gene carriers of clinical significance. Molecular
analyses allow for the microbiological characterization of different
aquatic habitats to assess the dissemination of ARG and
opportunistic bacteria in natural populations and to identify and
monitor critical water systems and potential microbiological risks
for human health