Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are identified as contributors to faecal pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water ecosystems. This research examined the prevalence, profiles of antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenic types of Escherichia coli in effluent from WWTPs and nearby river systems in the Vhembe District. Between May and June 2025, 28 water samples were collected from two WWTP discharge points as well as upstream and downstream locations along the Mvudi, Luvuvhu, and Madadzhe Rivers. The enumeration of E. coli was conducted using Colilert Quanti-Tray method, with isolates obtained via membrane filtration and confirmed using API 20E and VITEK®2 systems. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using VITEK®2, while pathotypes were detected through multiplex PCR. E. coli was found at all sampling locations; however, differences in concentrations across sampling sites and sampling periods were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Out of 26 confirmed isolates, a significant resistance to β-lactam antibiotics was noted, especially ampicillin (100%). Pathotype analysis revealed strains such as ETEC, EAEC, and EPEC. These results underline extensive contamination by antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in rivers affected by WWTP discharge, which poses potential public health concerns and underscores the necessity for enhanced monitoring efforts. Additional research is needed to validate these findings.
Mashamba et al. (Mon,) studied this question.