Jessica Andrea Gutiérrez Portilla, microbiologist and bioanalyst, master’s student in microbiology, member of the Biochemistry and Microbiology Research Group (GIBIM), represented the University with the presentation of the poster “Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities in water intended for human consumption,” at the 19th Scientific Meeting of the National Institute of Health, the first Regional Congress of National Institutes of Health, held from November 5 to 7, 2025, in Bogotá.
The objective of the study was to establish the composition and abundance of total microbial communities and bioindicators associated with the alteration of the microbiological and physicochemical quality of the water in the Bucaramanga Reservoir, using a metagenomic approach. Its scope included the sequencing and analysis of water samples collected at different points in the reservoir, allowing the microbial structure of the system to be described for the first time.
Among the most relevant results, 675 microbial genera were identified, highlighting bacteria and microeukaryotes with potential as bioindicators of pollution and toxic blooms. A correlation was found between physicochemical variables and microbial abundance, demonstrating the usefulness of the metagenomic approach for ecological and sanitary monitoring of water resources. This work constitutes one of the first metagenomic approaches aimed at identifying indicator microorganisms in a supply reservoir in Colombia.
This work was carried out under the leadership of Professor Germán Zafra Sierra, a professor attached to the School of Microbiology, and as co-director of the research work, MSc. Andrés Almeyda Ortiz.
The meeting
The 19th Scientific Meeting of the National Institute of Health was a consolidated space for the dissemination of scientific evidence in health and biomedicine, the promotion of cooperation, the building of strategic alliances, and the strengthening of dialogue between national and international actors. As part of the Meeting, the First Regional Congress of National Institutes of Health was held, bringing together representatives from different institutes in Latin America to create a space for dialogue, reflection, and exchange of experiences, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, sharing best practices, and promoting joint initiatives in public health, research, and scientific development.
The 19th Scientific Meeting represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen the social appropriation of knowledge, raise awareness and recognize the scientific evidence available in health and biomedicine, and promote the exchange of knowledge that allows for innovative solutions to public health challenges.
This research was made possible thanks to Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga S.A. E.S.P., the funding entity, under the 2022-2026 Framework Agreement for Academic Cooperation. Operations Manager, AMB. S.A. E.S.P. MSc. Jairo Fabián Jaimes Rojas.
