We researched clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in environmental samples from a recreation club in Brazil. A total of 172 amplicons (105 from soil and 67 from water) of 26 ARGs (20 among the soil and water samples; four only in soil samples; two only in water samples) were detected. Nine MGEs were detected, including plasmids and class 1 integron. The absolute abundance of the mcr-3 gene ranged from 1.12 × 102 to 1.81 × 103 copies/mL-1 in water samples. The rapid spread of mcr-like genes in several sources has generated a huge concern to public health. Accordingly, understanding of antimicrobial resistance, carry out surveillance studies may contribute to tackle antimicrobial resistance. As the environmental samples were collected from a popular recreation club in Brazil, this study points out to the risk and exposure to clinically relevant ARGs, especially to mcr-3 and mcr-7.1 genes.
Keywords: Mcr-3; mcr-7.1; soil; water; β-lactamases.