PATHOGENIC POTENTIALS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM RURAL WATER SUPPLIES

Abstract

Electrolyte and haematological parameters in rabbits infected with pathogenic isolates of Escherichia coli from rural water supplies in Rivers State, Nigeria, where monitored. Rabbits were orally infected with suspension containing 3x107 cfu /ml of Escherichia coli to induce diarrhoea, and the electrolyte (sodium, potassium and chloride ions) levels as well as the haemoglobin (hb) packed cells volume (PVC), and total white blood cell count (WBC) were determined after 48, 72, 96 hours and post infection following standard procedures. Subsequently blood samples were collected every week for 6 weeks for further estimation of WBC and HB and PVC. Results of the electrolyte (sodium, potassium and chloride ions) levels obtained revealed that significant amount of electrolytes were lost after 96 hours post-infection. Potassium ions concentration decreased by 57.2%, sodium ions by 64.6% and chloride ion concentration decreased by 59.9% as compared to the normal control rabbits not infected with E. coli.


(Af. J. of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology: 2002 3(2): 64-68)