A Comparative Study of Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Salmonella and Shigella Spp Isolated from Ikpoba River, Ikpoba Community, Benin

Salmonella, a bacterial genus, is associated with diseases such as gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, and septicemia, while Shigella primarily causes bacillary dysentery (shigellosis), presenting with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. This study aimed to compare the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of Salmonella and Shigella isolated from Ikpoba River in Benin City, Nigeria. Four water samples were collected from three points along the river—upstream, midstream, and downstream—and analyzed using physico-chemical and microbiological methods. The water samples had a mean pH range of 7.0 to 7.3, turbidity levels between 12.5 and 16.5 NTU, and mean water densities of 0.97 (upstream), 0.98 (midstream), and 0.979 (downstream). Biochemical tests identified four Salmonella species and two Shigella species. All antibiotics tested were effective against the isolates, except Augmentin. These findings underscore the importance of understanding local antibiotic resistance patterns, especially in regions where rivers serve as critical resources for domestic and agricultural use. The study highlights the need for enhanced water quality management, responsible antibiotic use, and regular monitoring of microbial contamination and resistance trends to mitigate public health risks and guide treatment of waterborne infections.