| Popis: |
The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality and antibiogram of bacteria isolated from aquatic environments in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 736 water samples, comprising borehole (n=215), ponds (n=111), rivers (n=144), streams (n=117), and wells (n=149) respectively, were collected from three local governments areas (Abakaliki, Ebonyi, and Ikwo) of Ebonyi State over a period of eight (8) months. The collected water samples were analysed using standard microbiology techniques. Isolates were further characterized using API 20E identification system. Total bacterial count was carried out using pour plating technique while antibiotic susceptibility test was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. A total of 308 bacterial isolates; Aeromonas hydrophila (13.9 %), Escherichia coli (15.9 %), and Vibrio cholerae (11.8 %) were obtained in this study. Water samples from Elinwovu River in Abakaliki L.G.A had the highest bacteria load (5.06 x 104 cfu/ml) while borehole water from the same study location had the lowest (1.50 x 104 cfu/ml). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the bacteria load levels in sampled water sources. Bacterial isolates were highly resistant (100 % - 81.6 %) to penicillin, sulphamethoxazole, kanamycin, azithromycin, streptomycin, cephalothin, and cefuroxime but highly susceptible (100 % - 83.1 %) gentamicin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and chloramphenicol. The multiple antibiotic resistance index values of isolates ranged from 0.47 to 0.50. Our findings reveal the need for treatment of all water samples to make it potable for human consumption and domestic uses. Also, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the water samples is of serious concern as this could cause serious public health problems, especially waterborne diseases if not properly tackled. |
