TY  - JOUR
AU  - Schachner-Gröhs, Iris
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Leopold, Melanie
AU  - Kolm, Claudia
AU  - Linke, Rita
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Kandler, Wolfgang
AU  - Sulyok, Michael
AU  - Vierheilig, Julia
AU  - Toumi, Marwene
AU  - Farkas, Rózsa
AU  - Toth, Erika
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander
PY  - 2024
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6581
AB  - The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is a growing health threat. Large rivers are of particular concern as they are highly impacted by wastewater discharge while being vital lifelines serving various human needs. A comprehensive understanding of occurrence, spread and key drivers of AMR along whole river courses is largely lacking. We provide a holistic approach by studying spatiotemporal patterns and hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) along 2311 km of the navigable Danube River, combining a longitudinal and temporal monitoring campaign. The integration of advanced faecal pollution diagnostics and environmental and chemical key parameters allowed linking ARG concentrations to the major pollution sources and explaining the observed patterns. Nine AMR markers, including genes conferring resistance to five different antibiotic classes of clinical and environmental relevance, and one integrase gene were determined by probe-based qPCR. All AMR targets could be quantified in Danube River water, with intI1 and sul1 being ubiquitously abundant, qnrS, tetM, blaTEM with intermediate abundance and blaOXA-48like, blaCTX−M-1 group, blaCTX−M-9 group and blaKPC genes with rare occurrence. Human faecal pollution from municipal wastewater discharges was the dominant factor shaping ARG patterns along the Danube River. Other significant correlations of specific ARGs were observed with discharge, certain metals and pesticides. In contrast, intI1 was not associated with wastewater but was already established in the water microbiome. Animal contamination was detected only sporadically and was correlated with ARGs only in the temporal sampling set. During temporal monitoring, an extraordinary hotspot was identified emphasizing the variability within natural waters. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline concentrations of ARGs in the Danube River and lays the foundation for monitoring future trends and evaluating potential reduction measures. The applided holistic approach proved to be a valuable methodological contribution towards a better understanding of the environmental occurrence of AMR.
PB  - Elsevier
T2  - Water Research
T1  - Linking antibiotic resistance gene patterns with advanced faecal pollution assessment and environmental key parameters along 2300 km of the Danube River
VL  - 252
DO  - 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121244
SP  - 121244
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Schachner-Gröhs, Iris and Koller, Michael and Leopold, Melanie and Kolm, Claudia and Linke, Rita and Jakwerth, Stefan and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Kandler, Wolfgang and Sulyok, Michael and Vierheilig, Julia and Toumi, Marwene and Farkas, Rózsa and Toth, Erika and Kittinger, Clemens and Zarfel, Gernot and Farnleitner, Andreas and Kirschner, Alexander",
year = "2024",
abstract = "The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is a growing health threat. Large rivers are of particular concern as they are highly impacted by wastewater discharge while being vital lifelines serving various human needs. A comprehensive understanding of occurrence, spread and key drivers of AMR along whole river courses is largely lacking. We provide a holistic approach by studying spatiotemporal patterns and hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) along 2311 km of the navigable Danube River, combining a longitudinal and temporal monitoring campaign. The integration of advanced faecal pollution diagnostics and environmental and chemical key parameters allowed linking ARG concentrations to the major pollution sources and explaining the observed patterns. Nine AMR markers, including genes conferring resistance to five different antibiotic classes of clinical and environmental relevance, and one integrase gene were determined by probe-based qPCR. All AMR targets could be quantified in Danube River water, with intI1 and sul1 being ubiquitously abundant, qnrS, tetM, blaTEM with intermediate abundance and blaOXA-48like, blaCTX−M-1 group, blaCTX−M-9 group and blaKPC genes with rare occurrence. Human faecal pollution from municipal wastewater discharges was the dominant factor shaping ARG patterns along the Danube River. Other significant correlations of specific ARGs were observed with discharge, certain metals and pesticides. In contrast, intI1 was not associated with wastewater but was already established in the water microbiome. Animal contamination was detected only sporadically and was correlated with ARGs only in the temporal sampling set. During temporal monitoring, an extraordinary hotspot was identified emphasizing the variability within natural waters. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline concentrations of ARGs in the Danube River and lays the foundation for monitoring future trends and evaluating potential reduction measures. The applided holistic approach proved to be a valuable methodological contribution towards a better understanding of the environmental occurrence of AMR.",
publisher = "Elsevier",
journal = "Water Research",
title = "Linking antibiotic resistance gene patterns with advanced faecal pollution assessment and environmental key parameters along 2300 km of the Danube River",
volume = "252",
doi = "10.1016/j.watres.2024.121244",
pages = "121244"
}

Schachner-Gröhs, I., Koller, M., Leopold, M., Kolm, C., Linke, R., Jakwerth, S., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Kandler, W., Sulyok, M., Vierheilig, J., Toumi, M., Farkas, R., Toth, E., Kittinger, C., Zarfel, G., Farnleitner, A.,& Kirschner, A.. (2024). Linking antibiotic resistance gene patterns with advanced faecal pollution assessment and environmental key parameters along 2300 km of the Danube River. in Water Research
Elsevier., 252, 121244.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121244

Schachner-Gröhs I, Koller M, Leopold M, Kolm C, Linke R, Jakwerth S, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Kandler W, Sulyok M, Vierheilig J, Toumi M, Farkas R, Toth E, Kittinger C, Zarfel G, Farnleitner A, Kirschner A. Linking antibiotic resistance gene patterns with advanced faecal pollution assessment and environmental key parameters along 2300 km of the Danube River. in Water Research. 2024;252:121244.
doi:10.1016/j.watres.2024.121244 .

Schachner-Gröhs, Iris, Koller, Michael, Leopold, Melanie, Kolm, Claudia, Linke, Rita, Jakwerth, Stefan, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Kandler, Wolfgang, Sulyok, Michael, Vierheilig, Julia, Toumi, Marwene, Farkas, Rózsa, Toth, Erika, Kittinger, Clemens, Zarfel, Gernot, Farnleitner, Andreas, Kirschner, Alexander, "Linking antibiotic resistance gene patterns with advanced faecal pollution assessment and environmental key parameters along 2300 km of the Danube River" in Water Research, 252 (2024):121244,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121244 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Schachner-Gröhs, Iris
AU  - Kolm, Claudia
AU  - Vierheilig, Julia
AU  - Leopold, Melanie
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Linke, Rita
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Toth, Erika
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6590
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the top ten global public health threats according
to the WHO. The spread of resistances is no longer limited to clinical settings and the natural
environment, especially aquatic ecosystems, are also strongly involved in the global spread. Holistic
as well as quantitative studies are still scarce. We here present for the first time a large scale study
on the Danube River regarding the distribution of AMR along different faecal pollution patterns.
For this study, samples from an international sampling campaign (Joint Danube Survey 4) as well as
additional seasonal samples were screened for the occurrence and origin of faecal pollution and for
the concentrations of nine representative antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In addition to water
samples also river biofilms were monitored to account for both, temporal and permanent river
habitats. Analyses were amended by a set of different cultivation-based and non-cultivation-based
microbiological and environmental data to explain the observed pattern in faecal pollution and ARG
concentrations.
Faecal pollution exists and varied strongly along the whole Danube river; hotspots could be identified
downstream of metropolitan areas at which also substantial concentrations of ARGs could be
detected. Quantifying concentrations of ARGs conferring resistance to different antibiotic classes
revealed strong differences between the different genes. Comparing their presence in water and
biofilm samples, allowed to assess how stably present these genes already are in the Danube River
ecosystem.
Environmental surveys are necessary to establish environmental baselines, to be able to guide future
AMR monitoring as well as to enforce useful management strategies. This integrative study therefore
provides first insights in the antimicrobial resistance situation in the most international river in the
world and second largest river in Europe
PB  - Austrian Committee - International Association for Danube Research
C3  - Conference Book: 44th IAD conference: Tackling Present & Future Environmental Challenges of a European Riverscape; 2023 Feb 6-9; Krems, Austria
T1  - Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes along gradients of faecal pollution in water and biofilm samples from the whole Danube River
SP  - 25
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6590
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Schachner-Gröhs, Iris and Kolm, Claudia and Vierheilig, Julia and Leopold, Melanie and Zarfel, Gernot and Koller, Michael and Kittinger, Clemens and Jakwerth, Stefan and Linke, Rita and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Toth, Erika and Farnleitner, Andreas and Kirschner, Alexander",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the top ten global public health threats according
to the WHO. The spread of resistances is no longer limited to clinical settings and the natural
environment, especially aquatic ecosystems, are also strongly involved in the global spread. Holistic
as well as quantitative studies are still scarce. We here present for the first time a large scale study
on the Danube River regarding the distribution of AMR along different faecal pollution patterns.
For this study, samples from an international sampling campaign (Joint Danube Survey 4) as well as
additional seasonal samples were screened for the occurrence and origin of faecal pollution and for
the concentrations of nine representative antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In addition to water
samples also river biofilms were monitored to account for both, temporal and permanent river
habitats. Analyses were amended by a set of different cultivation-based and non-cultivation-based
microbiological and environmental data to explain the observed pattern in faecal pollution and ARG
concentrations.
Faecal pollution exists and varied strongly along the whole Danube river; hotspots could be identified
downstream of metropolitan areas at which also substantial concentrations of ARGs could be
detected. Quantifying concentrations of ARGs conferring resistance to different antibiotic classes
revealed strong differences between the different genes. Comparing their presence in water and
biofilm samples, allowed to assess how stably present these genes already are in the Danube River
ecosystem.
Environmental surveys are necessary to establish environmental baselines, to be able to guide future
AMR monitoring as well as to enforce useful management strategies. This integrative study therefore
provides first insights in the antimicrobial resistance situation in the most international river in the
world and second largest river in Europe",
publisher = "Austrian Committee - International Association for Danube Research",
journal = "Conference Book: 44th IAD conference: Tackling Present & Future Environmental Challenges of a European Riverscape; 2023 Feb 6-9; Krems, Austria",
title = "Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes along gradients of faecal pollution in water and biofilm samples from the whole Danube River",
pages = "25",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6590"
}

Schachner-Gröhs, I., Kolm, C., Vierheilig, J., Leopold, M., Zarfel, G., Koller, M., Kittinger, C., Jakwerth, S., Linke, R., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Toth, E., Farnleitner, A.,& Kirschner, A.. (2023). Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes along gradients of faecal pollution in water and biofilm samples from the whole Danube River. in Conference Book: 44th IAD conference: Tackling Present & Future Environmental Challenges of a European Riverscape; 2023 Feb 6-9; Krems, Austria
Austrian Committee - International Association for Danube Research., 25.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6590

Schachner-Gröhs I, Kolm C, Vierheilig J, Leopold M, Zarfel G, Koller M, Kittinger C, Jakwerth S, Linke R, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Toth E, Farnleitner A, Kirschner A. Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes along gradients of faecal pollution in water and biofilm samples from the whole Danube River. in Conference Book: 44th IAD conference: Tackling Present & Future Environmental Challenges of a European Riverscape; 2023 Feb 6-9; Krems, Austria. 2023;:25.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6590 .

Schachner-Gröhs, Iris, Kolm, Claudia, Vierheilig, Julia, Leopold, Melanie, Zarfel, Gernot, Koller, Michael, Kittinger, Clemens, Jakwerth, Stefan, Linke, Rita, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Toth, Erika, Farnleitner, Andreas, Kirschner, Alexander, "Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes along gradients of faecal pollution in water and biofilm samples from the whole Danube River" in Conference Book: 44th IAD conference: Tackling Present & Future Environmental Challenges of a European Riverscape; 2023 Feb 6-9; Krems, Austria (2023):25,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6590 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Nürnberger, Julia
AU  - Hack, Kerstin
AU  - Dielacher, Irina
AU  - Wachter, Julian
AU  - Hoffer, Benjamin
AU  - Kohlmaier, Sophie
AU  - Hagendorfer, Christin
AU  - Kapic, Medina
AU  - Julia, Gütl
AU  - Arsenijevic, Polina
AU  - Schachner, Iris
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Tóth, Erika
AU  - Savio, Domenico
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas H.
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander K.T.
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6231
AB  - Human induced antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) are not only found in clinical surroundings: large rivers are of great concern as regards their spreading. This ongoing study´s aim is to analyse the major propagation pathways and sources of ARB in the Danube, and to compare the results with data obtained in 2013. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated during the 4th Joint Danube Survey were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility. 23.2% of 1635 E. coli were resistant and 11.7% were multiresistant. There was a significant increase in resistances to augmentin, moxifloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactam and a significant decrease regarding tetracycline. 23 expressed an extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase phenotype. 15.87 % of 630 Klebsiella spp. were resistant and 0.95% were multiresistant. Resistances
to moxifloxacin and augmentin were the most common resistances detected.
Two isolates showed an ESBL-phenotype, and two isolates were resistant to the last line antibiotic tigecycline. In comparison the data of 2013 and 2019 show a similar proportion for multiresistant E. coli, but regarding resistances to some single antibiotics significant changes were determined. In contrast, the Klebsiella isolates showed a very similar distribution of resistances. Despite, 30% of non-wild type resistant E. coli in the environment is a very high number when compared to clinical settings with approximately 50%. However, the relevance of these findings concerning human health and the environment is yet unclear as there is only a very limited number of studies for comparison and studies on the significance of pathways from the river back to humans are largely missing.
PB  - Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology
C3  - Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
T1  - Monitoring non-wild type antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison
SP  - 64
EP  - 65
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6231
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Koller, Michael and Nürnberger, Julia and Hack, Kerstin and Dielacher, Irina and Wachter, Julian and Hoffer, Benjamin and Kohlmaier, Sophie and Hagendorfer, Christin and Kapic, Medina and Julia, Gütl and Arsenijevic, Polina and Schachner, Iris and Jakwerth, Stefan and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Tóth, Erika and Savio, Domenico and Farnleitner, Andreas H. and Kittinger, Clemens and Kirschner, Alexander K.T. and Zarfel, Gernot",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Human induced antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) are not only found in clinical surroundings: large rivers are of great concern as regards their spreading. This ongoing study´s aim is to analyse the major propagation pathways and sources of ARB in the Danube, and to compare the results with data obtained in 2013. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated during the 4th Joint Danube Survey were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility. 23.2% of 1635 E. coli were resistant and 11.7% were multiresistant. There was a significant increase in resistances to augmentin, moxifloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactam and a significant decrease regarding tetracycline. 23 expressed an extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase phenotype. 15.87 % of 630 Klebsiella spp. were resistant and 0.95% were multiresistant. Resistances
to moxifloxacin and augmentin were the most common resistances detected.
Two isolates showed an ESBL-phenotype, and two isolates were resistant to the last line antibiotic tigecycline. In comparison the data of 2013 and 2019 show a similar proportion for multiresistant E. coli, but regarding resistances to some single antibiotics significant changes were determined. In contrast, the Klebsiella isolates showed a very similar distribution of resistances. Despite, 30% of non-wild type resistant E. coli in the environment is a very high number when compared to clinical settings with approximately 50%. However, the relevance of these findings concerning human health and the environment is yet unclear as there is only a very limited number of studies for comparison and studies on the significance of pathways from the river back to humans are largely missing.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology",
journal = "Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia",
title = "Monitoring non-wild type antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison",
pages = "64-65",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6231"
}

Koller, M., Nürnberger, J., Hack, K., Dielacher, I., Wachter, J., Hoffer, B., Kohlmaier, S., Hagendorfer, C., Kapic, M., Julia, G., Arsenijevic, P., Schachner, I., Jakwerth, S., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Tóth, E., Savio, D., Farnleitner, A. H., Kittinger, C., Kirschner, A. K.T.,& Zarfel, G.. (2022). Monitoring non-wild type antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology., 64-65.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6231

Koller M, Nürnberger J, Hack K, Dielacher I, Wachter J, Hoffer B, Kohlmaier S, Hagendorfer C, Kapic M, Julia G, Arsenijevic P, Schachner I, Jakwerth S, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Tóth E, Savio D, Farnleitner AH, Kittinger C, Kirschner AK, Zarfel G. Monitoring non-wild type antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia. 2022;:64-65.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6231 .

Koller, Michael, Nürnberger, Julia, Hack, Kerstin, Dielacher, Irina, Wachter, Julian, Hoffer, Benjamin, Kohlmaier, Sophie, Hagendorfer, Christin, Kapic, Medina, Julia, Gütl, Arsenijevic, Polina, Schachner, Iris, Jakwerth, Stefan, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Tóth, Erika, Savio, Domenico, Farnleitner, Andreas H., Kittinger, Clemens, Kirschner, Alexander K.T., Zarfel, Gernot, "Monitoring non-wild type antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison" in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia (2022):64-65,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6231 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander K.T.
AU  - Schachner, Iris
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Tóth, Erika
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Blaschke, Alfred Paul
AU  - Derx, Julia
AU  - Linke, Rita
AU  - Demeter, Katalin
AU  - Reischer, Georg
AU  - Savio, Domenico
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas H.
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6232
AB  - Sustainable and target-oriented microbiological water quality management of rivers needs information on
whole river systems, especially if catchments are large and international. The microbiological water quality
of rivers is of uttermost relevance for human health as river water is used for several purposes (recreation,
drinking water production, irrigation). Besides information on faecal pollution levels, the origin of faecal
pollution and the assessment of associated infection- and health risks, e g. from antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB) are of increasing importance. This contribution summarizes the concepts and main results from the Joint-Danube-Surveys (JDS) and discusses future challenges and perspectives (pollution-scenario modelling, infection-risk assessment) for the Danube River concerning its faecal and AMR pollution status.
Between 2001 and 2019, the whole Danube was sampled four times during the JDS. Beside standard faecal indicator analysis, cutting-edge molecular detection concepts were applied, including microbial source tracking (MST) markers by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and high-throughput amplicon-sequencing of bacterial communities. For AMR-profiling, clinically relevant bacterial species were isolated and tested for resistances and resistance genes were determined via qPCR.
With this, we could impressively demonstrate that the JDS create the required multi-national “big picture”
of the microbiological pollution status of large rivers. Harmonised trans-border microbiological water quality aps for the whole navigable Danube were established. MST marker analysis elucidated that the main faecal pollution source along the whole river is human wastewater. Combined analysis of faecal indicators, MST and AMR-profiles provided a solid basis for assessing the potential health impacts of AMR associated with faecal pollution.
PB  - Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology
C3  - Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
T1  - Faecal pollution and antibiotic resistance in the Danube River: Vision, Concepts and Lessons learned from Joint Danube Surveys
SP  - 144
EP  - 145
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6232
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Kirschner, Alexander K.T. and Schachner, Iris and Jakwerth, Stefan and Zarfel, Gernot and Koller, Michael and Kittinger, Clemens and Tóth, Erika and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Blaschke, Alfred Paul and Derx, Julia and Linke, Rita and Demeter, Katalin and Reischer, Georg and Savio, Domenico and Farnleitner, Andreas H.",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Sustainable and target-oriented microbiological water quality management of rivers needs information on
whole river systems, especially if catchments are large and international. The microbiological water quality
of rivers is of uttermost relevance for human health as river water is used for several purposes (recreation,
drinking water production, irrigation). Besides information on faecal pollution levels, the origin of faecal
pollution and the assessment of associated infection- and health risks, e g. from antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB) are of increasing importance. This contribution summarizes the concepts and main results from the Joint-Danube-Surveys (JDS) and discusses future challenges and perspectives (pollution-scenario modelling, infection-risk assessment) for the Danube River concerning its faecal and AMR pollution status.
Between 2001 and 2019, the whole Danube was sampled four times during the JDS. Beside standard faecal indicator analysis, cutting-edge molecular detection concepts were applied, including microbial source tracking (MST) markers by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and high-throughput amplicon-sequencing of bacterial communities. For AMR-profiling, clinically relevant bacterial species were isolated and tested for resistances and resistance genes were determined via qPCR.
With this, we could impressively demonstrate that the JDS create the required multi-national “big picture”
of the microbiological pollution status of large rivers. Harmonised trans-border microbiological water quality aps for the whole navigable Danube were established. MST marker analysis elucidated that the main faecal pollution source along the whole river is human wastewater. Combined analysis of faecal indicators, MST and AMR-profiles provided a solid basis for assessing the potential health impacts of AMR associated with faecal pollution.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology",
journal = "Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia",
title = "Faecal pollution and antibiotic resistance in the Danube River: Vision, Concepts and Lessons learned from Joint Danube Surveys",
pages = "144-145",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6232"
}

Kirschner, A. K.T., Schachner, I., Jakwerth, S., Zarfel, G., Koller, M., Kittinger, C., Tóth, E., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Blaschke, A. P., Derx, J., Linke, R., Demeter, K., Reischer, G., Savio, D.,& Farnleitner, A. H.. (2022). Faecal pollution and antibiotic resistance in the Danube River: Vision, Concepts and Lessons learned from Joint Danube Surveys. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology., 144-145.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6232

Kirschner AK, Schachner I, Jakwerth S, Zarfel G, Koller M, Kittinger C, Tóth E, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Blaschke AP, Derx J, Linke R, Demeter K, Reischer G, Savio D, Farnleitner AH. Faecal pollution and antibiotic resistance in the Danube River: Vision, Concepts and Lessons learned from Joint Danube Surveys. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia. 2022;:144-145.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6232 .

Kirschner, Alexander K.T., Schachner, Iris, Jakwerth, Stefan, Zarfel, Gernot, Koller, Michael, Kittinger, Clemens, Tóth, Erika, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Blaschke, Alfred Paul, Derx, Julia, Linke, Rita, Demeter, Katalin, Reischer, Georg, Savio, Domenico, Farnleitner, Andreas H., "Faecal pollution and antibiotic resistance in the Danube River: Vision, Concepts and Lessons learned from Joint Danube Surveys" in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia (2022):144-145,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6232 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Schachner, Iris
AU  - Kolm, Claudia
AU  - Vierheilig, Julia
AU  - Savio, Domenico
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Linke, Rita
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Tóth, Erika
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas H.
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander K.T.
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6230
AB  - Human-induced antimicrobial resistance is an emerging concern in aquatic environments. Faecal pollution
sources represent potential propagation pathways, however large-scale quantitative studies in whole river
systems are missing. In the course of the Joint Danube Survey, the Danube River was investigated for the
fourth time in summer 2019 from its headwaters to the delta. Microbial-faecal pollution patterns and the
occurrence of selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were studied. Subsequently, a one-year time series analysis at selected relevant sites allowed to assess temporal variability.
The intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli was quantified according to standard cultivation methods as indicator for total faecal pollution. In general, longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution showed a comparable picture to previous Joint Danube Surveys, with low to moderate pollution in the upper reaches (Germany, Austria) and critical to strong pollution in the middle and lower sections, especially in Serbia. Genetic microbial source tracking methods, determined via quantitative PCR, allowed us to define human faecal pollution as dominant pollution source along the whole Danube. This trend could be generally confirmed during the annual sampling campaign. To estimate the potential of permanent colonialization of faecal microorganisms within the Danube River ecosystem, biofilms as potential reservoirs were studied along the course of the entire river. Here, E.coli were ubiquitously present but highly variable. Ongoing analyses on the occurrence and quantity of selected ARGs will identify hotspots of antimicrobial resistance and their relationship to faecal pollution along the Danube River and thereby contribute to guide future monitoring and management strategies.
PB  - Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology
C3  - Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
T1  - Faecal pollution as potential driver of antibiotic resistance genes in the Danube River
SP  - 137
EP  - 138
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6230
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Schachner, Iris and Kolm, Claudia and Vierheilig, Julia and Savio, Domenico and Zarfel, Gernot and Koller, Michael and Kittinger, Clemens and Jakwerth, Stefan and Linke, Rita and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Tóth, Erika and Farnleitner, Andreas H. and Kirschner, Alexander K.T.",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Human-induced antimicrobial resistance is an emerging concern in aquatic environments. Faecal pollution
sources represent potential propagation pathways, however large-scale quantitative studies in whole river
systems are missing. In the course of the Joint Danube Survey, the Danube River was investigated for the
fourth time in summer 2019 from its headwaters to the delta. Microbial-faecal pollution patterns and the
occurrence of selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were studied. Subsequently, a one-year time series analysis at selected relevant sites allowed to assess temporal variability.
The intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli was quantified according to standard cultivation methods as indicator for total faecal pollution. In general, longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution showed a comparable picture to previous Joint Danube Surveys, with low to moderate pollution in the upper reaches (Germany, Austria) and critical to strong pollution in the middle and lower sections, especially in Serbia. Genetic microbial source tracking methods, determined via quantitative PCR, allowed us to define human faecal pollution as dominant pollution source along the whole Danube. This trend could be generally confirmed during the annual sampling campaign. To estimate the potential of permanent colonialization of faecal microorganisms within the Danube River ecosystem, biofilms as potential reservoirs were studied along the course of the entire river. Here, E.coli were ubiquitously present but highly variable. Ongoing analyses on the occurrence and quantity of selected ARGs will identify hotspots of antimicrobial resistance and their relationship to faecal pollution along the Danube River and thereby contribute to guide future monitoring and management strategies.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology",
journal = "Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia",
title = "Faecal pollution as potential driver of antibiotic resistance genes in the Danube River",
pages = "137-138",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6230"
}

Schachner, I., Kolm, C., Vierheilig, J., Savio, D., Zarfel, G., Koller, M., Kittinger, C., Jakwerth, S., Linke, R., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Tóth, E., Farnleitner, A. H.,& Kirschner, A. K.T.. (2022). Faecal pollution as potential driver of antibiotic resistance genes in the Danube River. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade: Serbian Society of Microbiology., 137-138.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6230

Schachner I, Kolm C, Vierheilig J, Savio D, Zarfel G, Koller M, Kittinger C, Jakwerth S, Linke R, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Tóth E, Farnleitner AH, Kirschner AK. Faecal pollution as potential driver of antibiotic resistance genes in the Danube River. in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia. 2022;:137-138.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6230 .

Schachner, Iris, Kolm, Claudia, Vierheilig, Julia, Savio, Domenico, Zarfel, Gernot, Koller, Michael, Kittinger, Clemens, Jakwerth, Stefan, Linke, Rita, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Tóth, Erika, Farnleitner, Andreas H., Kirschner, Alexander K.T., "Faecal pollution as potential driver of antibiotic resistance genes in the Danube River" in Electronic abstract book: FEMS Conference on Microbiology in association with Serbian Society of Microbiology; 2022 Jun 30 - Jul 2; Belgrade, Serbia (2022):137-138,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6230 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander K.T.
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Schachner, Iris
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Toumi, Marwene
AU  - Farkas, Rosza
AU  - Tóth, Erika
AU  - Kandler, W
AU  - Sulyok, M
AU  - Savio, Domenico
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas H.
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
PY  - 2021
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4731
AB  - The problem of human-induced antimicrobial resistance (acquired due to human activities) is an
emerging concern in aquatic environments. The isolation of (facultative) pathogenic organisms with
acquired antibiotic resistance, even concerning last-line antibiotics, from rivers and lakes, is well
documented throughout the world. In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number
of studies addressing these topics and their possible implications for human health. However, most
studies concentrate on a relatively limited methodology, e.g. applying non-quantitative and either
cultivation-based or direct-detection based molecular biological methods. In addition, often only small
geographic areas and short periods of time are covered. This is one of the reasons why many relevant
questions concerning the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems still
remain unanswered.
The largest European river water survey (Joint Danube Survey 4) offered a unique opportunity to study
the occurrence and spread of human-induced antimicrobial resistance along the whole Danube River.
Within the research project, isolates from samples from the entire course of the Danube and their
main tributaries, including high frequency sampling at selected locations, have been collected and
analysed. Samples from the water compartment but also from submerged biofilms have been
considered. State-of-the-art quantitative molecular biological techniques and culture-based analyses
targeting different bacterial organisms have been combined with a large set of physical, chemical and
biological parameters to obtain a robust and comprehensive picture of the occurrence and spread of
human-induced antimicrobial resistance in the Danube River.
Based on the findings of this quantitative, integrative study approach, it seems likely to significantly
improve the current understanding on the importance on the spread and stabilization of human -
induced antibiotic resistance in large rivers. The results of this study will also be useful to guide future
monitoring and management strategies.
PB  - Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg
C3  - 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin
T1  - Occurrence and spread of human- induced antimicrobial resistance in a large river water system: developing a holistic picture based on the Joint Danube Survey 4 activities
SP  - 20
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4731
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Kirschner, Alexander K.T. and Kittinger, Clemens and Schachner, Iris and Jakwerth, Stefan and Koller, Michael and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Toumi, Marwene and Farkas, Rosza and Tóth, Erika and Kandler, W and Sulyok, M and Savio, Domenico and Farnleitner, Andreas H. and Zarfel, Gernot",
year = "2021",
abstract = "The problem of human-induced antimicrobial resistance (acquired due to human activities) is an
emerging concern in aquatic environments. The isolation of (facultative) pathogenic organisms with
acquired antibiotic resistance, even concerning last-line antibiotics, from rivers and lakes, is well
documented throughout the world. In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number
of studies addressing these topics and their possible implications for human health. However, most
studies concentrate on a relatively limited methodology, e.g. applying non-quantitative and either
cultivation-based or direct-detection based molecular biological methods. In addition, often only small
geographic areas and short periods of time are covered. This is one of the reasons why many relevant
questions concerning the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems still
remain unanswered.
The largest European river water survey (Joint Danube Survey 4) offered a unique opportunity to study
the occurrence and spread of human-induced antimicrobial resistance along the whole Danube River.
Within the research project, isolates from samples from the entire course of the Danube and their
main tributaries, including high frequency sampling at selected locations, have been collected and
analysed. Samples from the water compartment but also from submerged biofilms have been
considered. State-of-the-art quantitative molecular biological techniques and culture-based analyses
targeting different bacterial organisms have been combined with a large set of physical, chemical and
biological parameters to obtain a robust and comprehensive picture of the occurrence and spread of
human-induced antimicrobial resistance in the Danube River.
Based on the findings of this quantitative, integrative study approach, it seems likely to significantly
improve the current understanding on the importance on the spread and stabilization of human -
induced antibiotic resistance in large rivers. The results of this study will also be useful to guide future
monitoring and management strategies.",
publisher = "Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg",
journal = "43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin",
title = "Occurrence and spread of human- induced antimicrobial resistance in a large river water system: developing a holistic picture based on the Joint Danube Survey 4 activities",
pages = "20",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4731"
}

Kirschner, A. K.T., Kittinger, C., Schachner, I., Jakwerth, S., Koller, M., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Toumi, M., Farkas, R., Tóth, E., Kandler, W., Sulyok, M., Savio, D., Farnleitner, A. H.,& Zarfel, G.. (2021). Occurrence and spread of human- induced antimicrobial resistance in a large river water system: developing a holistic picture based on the Joint Danube Survey 4 activities. in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin
Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg., 20.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4731

Kirschner AK, Kittinger C, Schachner I, Jakwerth S, Koller M, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Toumi M, Farkas R, Tóth E, Kandler W, Sulyok M, Savio D, Farnleitner AH, Zarfel G. Occurrence and spread of human- induced antimicrobial resistance in a large river water system: developing a holistic picture based on the Joint Danube Survey 4 activities. in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin. 2021;:20.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4731 .

Kirschner, Alexander K.T., Kittinger, Clemens, Schachner, Iris, Jakwerth, Stefan, Koller, Michael, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Toumi, Marwene, Farkas, Rosza, Tóth, Erika, Kandler, W, Sulyok, M, Savio, Domenico, Farnleitner, Andreas H., Zarfel, Gernot, "Occurrence and spread of human- induced antimicrobial resistance in a large river water system: developing a holistic picture based on the Joint Danube Survey 4 activities" in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin (2021):20,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4731 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Koller, Michael
AU  - Hack, Kerstin
AU  - Dielacher, Irina
AU  - Wachter, Julian
AU  - Schachner, Iris
AU  - Jakwerth, Stefan
AU  - Kolarević, Stoimir
AU  - Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta
AU  - Tóth, Erika
AU  - Savio, Domenico
AU  - Farnleitner, Andreas H.
AU  - Kittinger, Clemens
AU  - Kirschner, Alexander K.T.
AU  - Zarfel, Gernot
PY  - 2021
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4730
AB  - Introduction
The emerging occurrence of human induced antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) is not only limited to
clinical surroundings: they can also be found in the human population, animals and the water
environment. Large rivers are of great concern as regards the spreading of ARB. Thus, this ongoing
study ́s aim is to analyze the major propagation pathways and sources of ARB in the Danube, and to
do a six-year-comparison with data obtained in 2013.
Study design and methods
Within the frame of the 4th Joint Danube Survey (JDS) of the International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), water samples were taken at 36 sampling points along the
whole Danube. Escherichia coli as clinically relevant organisms were isolated and tested for their
susceptibility to 20 different antibiotics.
Results
1298 E. coli isolates have been tested so far. 11.33 % of them were multiresistant and 23.19 % were
resistant to one or two classes of antibiotics. The preliminary data show a very similar pattern
compared to the data obtained in 2013 (629 isolates) when 9.70 % of the isolates were multiresistant
and 29.09 % were resistant to one or two classes of antibiotics. Most of the resistances are still to
ampicillin and tetracycline. There are no resistances to carbapenems, colistin, amikacin and tigecycline.
But there is a significant increase in resistances to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, moxifloxacin and
piperacillin with tazobactam and a significant decrease regarding tetracycline. 21 isolates are
confirmed ESBL-producers while in 2013 there were four.
Discussion
In comparison the data of 2013 and 2019 show a similar pattern regarding multiresistance. Regarding
resistances to single antibiotics significant changes could be determined. However, there are still many
of the isolates to be tested until the final analysis.
PB  - Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg
C3  - 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin
T1  - Non-wild type antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison
SP  - 30
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4730
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Koller, Michael and Hack, Kerstin and Dielacher, Irina and Wachter, Julian and Schachner, Iris and Jakwerth, Stefan and Kolarević, Stoimir and Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta and Tóth, Erika and Savio, Domenico and Farnleitner, Andreas H. and Kittinger, Clemens and Kirschner, Alexander K.T. and Zarfel, Gernot",
year = "2021",
abstract = "Introduction
The emerging occurrence of human induced antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) is not only limited to
clinical surroundings: they can also be found in the human population, animals and the water
environment. Large rivers are of great concern as regards the spreading of ARB. Thus, this ongoing
study ́s aim is to analyze the major propagation pathways and sources of ARB in the Danube, and to
do a six-year-comparison with data obtained in 2013.
Study design and methods
Within the frame of the 4th Joint Danube Survey (JDS) of the International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), water samples were taken at 36 sampling points along the
whole Danube. Escherichia coli as clinically relevant organisms were isolated and tested for their
susceptibility to 20 different antibiotics.
Results
1298 E. coli isolates have been tested so far. 11.33 % of them were multiresistant and 23.19 % were
resistant to one or two classes of antibiotics. The preliminary data show a very similar pattern
compared to the data obtained in 2013 (629 isolates) when 9.70 % of the isolates were multiresistant
and 29.09 % were resistant to one or two classes of antibiotics. Most of the resistances are still to
ampicillin and tetracycline. There are no resistances to carbapenems, colistin, amikacin and tigecycline.
But there is a significant increase in resistances to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, moxifloxacin and
piperacillin with tazobactam and a significant decrease regarding tetracycline. 21 isolates are
confirmed ESBL-producers while in 2013 there were four.
Discussion
In comparison the data of 2013 and 2019 show a similar pattern regarding multiresistance. Regarding
resistances to single antibiotics significant changes could be determined. However, there are still many
of the isolates to be tested until the final analysis.",
publisher = "Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg",
journal = "43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin",
title = "Non-wild type antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison",
pages = "30",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4730"
}

Koller, M., Hack, K., Dielacher, I., Wachter, J., Schachner, I., Jakwerth, S., Kolarević, S., Kračun-Kolarević, M., Tóth, E., Savio, D., Farnleitner, A. H., Kittinger, C., Kirschner, A. K.T.,& Zarfel, G.. (2021). Non-wild type antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison. in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin
Neuburg:  Aueninstitut Neuburg., 30.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4730

Koller M, Hack K, Dielacher I, Wachter J, Schachner I, Jakwerth S, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Tóth E, Savio D, Farnleitner AH, Kittinger C, Kirschner AK, Zarfel G. Non-wild type antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison. in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin. 2021;:30.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4730 .

Koller, Michael, Hack, Kerstin, Dielacher, Irina, Wachter, Julian, Schachner, Iris, Jakwerth, Stefan, Kolarević, Stoimir, Kračun-Kolarević, Margareta, Tóth, Erika, Savio, Domenico, Farnleitner, Andreas H., Kittinger, Clemens, Kirschner, Alexander K.T., Zarfel, Gernot, "Non-wild type antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the River Danube: a six-year-comparison" in 43rd IAD Conference: Rivers and Floodplains in the Antropocene: Upcoming Challenges in the Danube River Basin (2021):30,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_4730 .