In order to evaluate the dissemination problem of antimicrobial resistance genes
in Lebanese rivers, a study of the presence and relative abundance of resistant bacteria was
conducted during two different seasons. In total, more than 22500 resistant bacterial
colonies were isolated with cultural techniques on selective media supplemented with
antibiotics. The resistant bacteria isolated were Enterobacteriaceae, non-fermenters and
Staphylococcus spp. At estuarian sites, 20.58% and 91.76% of the Gram-negative bacteria
were producers of extended spectrum beta-lactamases of which 14.28% and 100% showed
resistance to imipenem. | 
