Microbiological quality and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water systems of the old terminal of Jorge Chávez International Airport: potential role as environmental reservoir
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17843/rpmesp.2026.432.15160Keywords:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Drinking Water, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Airports, Health Surveillance, Water QualityAbstract
Objective. To determine the microbiological quality of water for human consumption at an international airport in Peru according to national regulations, to evaluate the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from water systems, and to explore its possible role as an environmental reservoir of resistant bacteria at an international entry point. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2024. A total of 145 water samples from airport terminal taps, restaurants, supplier companies, wells, and aircraft were analyzed. Microbiological indicators were evaluated according to
current national regulations, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of 67 P. aeruginosa isolates was determined by disk diffusion. MDR, XDR, and PDR classifications were established according to international criteria. Results. 50.3% (73/145) of the samples did not meet the microbiological standards established by the regulations. P. aeruginosa was detected in 55.8% (81/145) of the samples. Of the 67 isolates analyzed, 38.8% were classified as MDR and 11.9% as XDR; no PDR isolates were identified. Concentrations exceeding 16 MPN/100 mL were observed at multiple points in the system, including aircraft. Conclusions. The detection of resistant P. aeruginosa in airport water systems suggests sanitary vulnerabilities and a possible role as an environmental reservoir of resistant bacteria. It is recommended to strengthen microbiological surveillance and incorporate
antimicrobial resistance assessment into water quality monitoring programs at international entry points.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Leonardo Enrique Sulca-Galarza, Rigoberto Cilis Robles-Camarena, Tito Libio Sánchez-Rojas, Aldo Franco Rodríguez-Gonzales
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