Occurrence of Salmonella Typhi in Well Water Collected from Kashere Town

Student: Abdulraheem Omokolade Babalola (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State

Abstract

Waterborne diseases remain a major public health concern in developing countries, especially in rural communities where untreated water sources are widely used. This study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella typhi in well water in Kashere town, Gombe State, Nigeria. A total of fifty (50) water samples were collected from ten different locations and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Samples were cultured on selective media including Salmonella-Shigella (SS) and Nutrient agar, and suspected isolates were subjected to Gram staining and biochemical characterization for confirmation. Out of the 50 samples analyzed, 34 (68%) were positive for S. typhi. The highest occurrence was observed in Location F (Jauro Dabe) and Location I (World Bank), each recording 10% contamination. The findings reveal a high level of S. typhi in well water in Kashere, which poses a significant risk for typhoid fever transmission among residents. This study underscores the urgent need for improved water sanitation, regular monitoring of drinking water sources, and enhanced public health education to reduce the burden of typhoid fever in the community.

Keywords: Salmonella typhi, Well water, Occurrence, Kashere, Waterborne diseases

Keywords
occurrence salmonella typhi water collected kashere
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