Wastewater a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: study

By Allison Bond NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Wastewater from cities and hospitals releases some antibiotic-resistant bacteria into the environment, according to a new French study. And although wastewater treatment plants cut the number of bacteria overall, the treatment process boosts the proportion of bacteria resistant to some antibiotics, the research found. The study focused on E. coli, a type of bacteria that commonly inhabits the intestines of many healthy animals, including humans, although certain strains can cause food poisoning. Drug resistance among many types of bacteria, including E. coli, is a growing problem.