ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the microbial quality and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates from borehole and stream waters used by some villages in Abia State, Nigeria. Borehole water samples were obtained from thirty different sources and twenty samples from different stream sources and investigated for the presence of indicator organisms such as total coliforms, and faecal coliforms, using the pour plate technique, membrane filtration, and most probable number (MPN). Organisms were further identified using standard methods. Antibiogram of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. Total bacteria count of the stream water samples analyzed ranged from 2.32 x 10² cfu/ml to 1.42 x 10² cfulml and Total bacteria count of the Borehole waters ranges from 2.30 x10² cfu/100ml to 0. 25x 10² cfu/100ml. The feacal coliform count ranges from 1600 cfu/100m1 to 80cfu/100ml for stream and from 45 to 2 for borehole. Genera of bacteria identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coil, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp, Salmonella sp. Streptococcus spp, and Serratia sp. Escherichia coil was found to be sensitive to all antibiotics but augmentin. Highest level of resistance was exhibited by Enterobacter sp. It was observed that the borehole and stream water used by the people of Ohokobe, Ubakala and Ugwunchara is of poor microbial quality. A possible follow up would be necessary to identify the sources of contamination and disinfection of water in storage tanks before distribution through the taps is also recommended as a short term solution