Bacteriological, physicochemical and mineral studies on Awedele spring water and soil samples in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Enterococci abound in faeces, survive long outside the enteric environment and possess unique ability to
acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance. Recent studies have identified Enterococci as a relevant indicator of water quality. The current study focused on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant forms of Enterococcus species isolated from Awedele spring water in Ekiti State Nigeria. The bacteriological and physicochemical quality of the water samples was also assessed. The mineral content of the adjacent soil
samples was also determined. Antibiotic resistance among isolated Enterococcus species was highest to
penicillin as all isolates demonstrated complete resistance to the antibiotics. Prevalence of gentamycinresistant
enterococci was lowest (48%). Mean total bacterial and enterococcus count ranged from 1.8 x104 to 8.6 x 104 cfu/ml and 1.5 x 105 to 4.0 x 105 cfu/ml respectively. While calling for an improved data capturing system for drinking water surveillance in developing nations, the study highlights the need for continuous efforts aimed at instigating the required hygiene behavioral change among residents of rural settlements in the developing world.