Dataset - Pathogen and antibiotic resistance dispersal in coastal waters around Curaçao is largely driven by localized, episodic contamination events Version 7

Caribbean islands attract large numbers of tourists, placing strain on local infrastructure, while longstanding limitations in waste management capacity and environmental regulation contribute to cumulative pressures on coastal ecosystems. Inadequate wastewater treatment can facilitate the release of clinically relevant bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the marine environment, with negative consequences for both human and ecosystem health. However, the occurrence and spatiotemporal dynamics of ARGs in Caribbean coastal systems remain poorly resolved. In this study, we combined selective plating, 16S rRNA gene analysis, and metagenomic sequencing to characterize microbial communities, pathogens, and ARG distributions along the coastline of Curaçao.

We observed pronounced spatial heterogeneity across sites in microbial communities, associated pathogens and ARGs, with bacterial assemblages separating into oligotrophic, well-flushed environments and more eutrophic, semi-enclosed systems. ARGs and putative pathogens were detected across all sites and generally fell within ranges reported for other coastal systems. Transient peaks in pathogen- and ARG abundance at sites such as Boka Sami and Playa Kanoa were primarily driven by localized anthropogenic inputs. In contrast, samples from a wastewater effluent channel constituted a persistent antibiotic resistance hotspot, characterized by a high number of antibiotic resistant bacteria, high ARG abundance, and a diverse repertoire of plasmid-associated resistance. Moreover, its discharge in close proximity to public bathing areas causes concerns public and ecosystem health.