In an effort to identify genetic evidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, experts from the Institute of Engineering (II) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) are conducting an analysis of water samples from the Querétaro River, located in the state of Querétaro. This initiative is part of a long-standing research project that began in 2001 and aims to monitor urban wastewater and evaluate, in real time, the epidemiological risks associated with infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, serving as a complementary tool to traditional clinical systems.

During the Annual Information Meeting (RIA) 2026, researcher Julián Carrillo Reyes highlighted that the project aims to leverage drainage systems as a community sensor. By monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water, the research team hopes to provide vital data that could inform public health responses and better understand the spread of these resistant strains in the environment. This research underscores the increasing importance of environmental monitoring in public health and disease prevention.

The implications of this research are significant, as it seeks not only to detect harmful microbial strains in water sources but also to raise awareness about the public health risks posed by wastewater management practices. As antibiotic resistance becomes a more pressing global concern, projects like this one could play a critical role in developing strategies to combat infectious diseases and protect community health.