Journal of Biomedical and Engineering Research
ISSN: 3065-8780 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-8780
Halimatu Shehu, Ahmad Balarabe Hamza, Lawali Suleiman, Zulaihat Mohammed, Baraâ??atu Isah Moriki and Ahmad Muhammad Sadisu
Access to clean and safe water is essential for human health, yet water contamination with pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Gram-negative bacteria, remains a major public health challenge, especially in developing regions. This study investigated the prevalence, phenotypic characterization, and antibiotic resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from various domestic and environmental water sources in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A total of 32 water samples were randomly collected from wells, taps, streams, dams and pond. Standard microbiological and biochemical methods were employed for the isolation and identification of Gram-negative bacterial species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the disk diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.10 ×10-4 to 9.0 ×10-4cfu/ml. The results revealed the presence of multiple Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp, Enterobacter spp, Shigella spp and Proteus spp. Notably, a significant proportion (46%) of isolates exhibited resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as Gentamycin, Ampicillin, Ceporex, Nalidixic acid, Augmentin and Septrin while higher susceptibility was observed for Ciproflox, Tarivid, Streptomycin, and Reflacine. The detection of multidrug-resistant strains in both domestic and environmental water samples underscores the potential health risks posed by untreated or poorly managed water sources. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved water sanitation infrastructure, regular monitoring of water quality, and strategic public health interventions aimed at controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance through environmental pathways.