Impact of heavy metals on antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli from slum wastewater in Kawempe division, Kampala district, Uganda: a case study

This study evaluated the impact of heavy metals on antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli in wastewater from slums of Bwaise II, Bwaise III, Kazo, and Makerere III in Kawempe division, Kampala. The research found detectable levels of heavy metals in wastewater from three slum areas, with 72.8% of E. coli isolates showing resistance to at least one antibiotic. Results revealed a positive correlation between heavy metal presence and antibiotic resistance patterns, with lead, mercury, and cadmium significantly inducing antibiotic resistance in susceptible E. coli. The study concludes that inadequate infrastructure in slums facilitates discharge of heavy metal-polluted wastewater, contributing to increased antibiotic resistance.