Biochemical Characterisation and Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile of Salmonella Spp. from Otuoke River.

This study was carried out to isolate, identify, and examine antibiotic sensitivity profile of Salmonella spp. obtained from fresh water in Otuoke River. Water samples from Otuoke River were collected from four strategically sited locations along the river, using sterile bottles. The locations are; toilet, domestic, recreational, and sawmill sites. Collected water samples were immediately transported to Federal University Otuoke microbiology department laboratory in an ice-bag. The samples were cultured on culture media, and examined after 24 hours for growth. Discrete colonies were sub- cultured, and subjected to biochemical characterization following standard microbiological techniques. The highest heterotrophic bacteria count was recorded in toilet site (5.7x102 CFU/ml), while the lowest count was recorded in sawmill site (2.2x102CFU/ml). Bacterial isolates obtained were identified, using Diagnostic SRO, as Salmonella typhi and Salmonella enteritidis. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates to the 12 antibiotics used in the study showed that both Salmonella strains were susceptible to cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin while they were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and gentamicin (41.6% Resistance). Result of the physicochemical characteristics of water samples used for the study revealed that pH was slightly acidic for all the samples (6), salinity was the same with a value of (0.01ppt). Thus, infections caused by Salmonella spp. can be treated using the combination of cefotaxime, piperacillin/ tazobactam, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. However, a sensitization/awareness programs need to be done often in the urban and rural area of Nigeria as the lack of good drinking water and properly handled food has been on a high scale.