Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Molecular Identification of Bacteria Isolated from Treated Water Sources for Municipal Consumption in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Salisu Hussaini, Bahira Bello Yabo, Manga Shaibu Bala, Adeboye Muhammed Mustapha, Jafar Usman

Abstract


This study evaluated the microbiological quality of treated municipal water sources in Sokoto, Nigeria, to assess their suitability for consumption and potential public health risks. A total of 15 water samples were collected from five diverse locations these includes; Water board post treatment, Minannata, Runjin Sambo, Mabera and Tsohuwar Kasuwa area and analysed for microbiological quality assessment which includes; bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, biochemical test and antibiotic sensitivity test by using Kirby-Bauer method as well as molecular identification of antibiotics resistance bacterial pathogens. Seven bacterial species were isolated and identified, with the highest frequencies attributed to Escherichia coli (25%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.75%), S. typhi (18.75), Bacillus spp (12.5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%), Proteus spp and Shigella flexineri (6.25) respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed alarming resistance, particularly in E. coli and Proteus spp which was highly resistant to Septrin (100%), ciprofloxacin (80%), levofloxacin (80%), and amoxicillin/augmentin (60-75%) . Conversely, S. aureus and S. typhi were generally more sensitive to tetracycline, ampicillin, and gentamycin. Further molecular analysis of multi-drug-resistant strains identified emergent pathogens such as Proteus terrae, and Providencia stuartii. This study underscores the significant public health risk posed by contaminated water after treatment, driven by the widespread presence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Continuous monitoring, urgent infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced water treatment strategies are imperative to mitigate the rising threat of water-related illnesses in the region. 


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