EFFECT OF A NAMED DETERGENT ON A LISTERIA SPP. OBTAINED FROM OKITIPUPA FISH POND WATER

This study investigated the effect of a commonly used household detergent on Listeria species isolated from fishpond water in Okitipupa, Ondo State. Listeria spp., known for their pathogenicity and resilience in aquatic environments, pose significant public health concerns, particularly in communities reliant on surface water sources. Water samples were collected from different locations within the fishpond and cultured using selective media to isolate Listeria species. Confirmed isolates were then exposed to varying concentrations of the selected detergent to assess its bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects using agar well diffusion method. Results indicated a concentration-dependent inhibition of Listeria growth. Increase in the concentration of detergent shows increase in the zone of inhibition (at 6% conc., the zone of inhibition ranges from 0-12mm, at 9% conc., it ranges from 0-13mm, at 12% conc., it ranges from 0-16mm, at 15% conc., it ranges from 0-18mm, at 18% conc., it ranges from 13-20mm), showing significant reduction in Listeria growth. However, some strains exhibited resistance at lower concentrations, suggesting potential adaptation or biofilm formation. The study underscores the importance of understanding microbial resistance in natural water bodies and highlights the implications of detergent pollution on microbial ecology and public health.