Characterization of antibiotic resistance development of E. coli in synthetic and real wastewater

This study compares E. coli growth and antibiotic resistance in standard LB broth, synthetic wastewater, and autoclaved wastewater samples from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Both samples showed less bacterial growth and differed susceptibility to antibiotic pressure. Synthetic wastewater was found to be more accurate in predicting E. coli growth and antibiotic resistance development. The study also found that antibiotic resistance can develop in real wastewater samples and likely has synergistic and antagonistic interactions with antibiotics.