African Journal of Parasitology Research

ISSN 2756-3391

African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 12 (9), pp. 001-005, September, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Detection of Coliforms Producing Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in Sachet Water Sold in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Afiukwa Felicita Ngozi1, Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus1, Afiukwa Celestine Azubuike2, Ayogu, Thomas Eze3, Oji Anthonia Egwu1, Onwa Ndubuisi Collins1

1Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki Ebonyi State.

2Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

3Department of Food Technology, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, P.M.B. 01079, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Accepted 23 April, 224

Abstract

Five different brands of sachet- water comprising of ten pieces per batch of each brand manufactured, sold and consumed in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State including My Summit, Gospel, Nnenne, Bewell and Age-less (NAFDAC Registered) were collected from each company in Abakaliki town and examined for the presence of Feacal coliforms using standard Microbiology technique. Isolated coliforms were later screened for production of extended spectrum beta lactamase enzymes using double disk synergy test method. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of both ESBL producing and non-ESBL producing strains were evaluated using disk diffusion method. A total of 11 (4.4%) strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from all the sachets examined, 3(1.2%) strains of Enterobacter spp were isolated from MS, GP and AG while 4(1.6%) of Klebsiella spp were isolated from MS, GP, BW and AG. 2(18 %) of E. coli isolated from Age- less sachet- water produced ESBL enzyme while no ESBL production was detected from Enterobacter and Klebsiella spps. Antimicrobial susceptibility studies showed that both ESBL producing and non-ESBL producing strains were resistant to all antibiotic tested showing a multi-drug resistance of both strains. Our findings are of serious public health concern which suggest that sachet-water should be well treated before selling to the public for consumption and also that more work should be carried out to determine the presence of resistant micro-organisms present in water.

Keywords: Sachet- water, feacal coliform, ESBLs, Susceptibility, Nigeria.