ASSESSMENT OF ACID- TOLERANT BACTERIAL DYNAMICS IN RESIDENTIAL SHOWERHEADS AND WATER SYSTEMS

Residential showerheads are potential reservoirs for diverse microbial communities, including acid-tolerant bacteria that thrive under low-pH conditions. These bacteria contribute to biofilm resilience and may pose health risks due to their persistence and potential for antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the acid-stress response of acid-tolerant bacteria in showerhead biofilms at Madonna University, Elele Campus. Samples were collected from showerheads across four guesthouses. Standard microbiological methods were used for isolation, biochemical characterization, and Gram staining. Acid-stress tolerance was assessed using colonial morphology, spectrophotometric growth measurements, antibiotic susceptibility, and biofilm-formation assays. Most isolates demonstrated strong acid tolerance as reflected in their biofilm-forming abilities and their level of increased resistance to antibiotics. Four (4) acid-tolerant bacterial species with high acid-stress responses were identified using molecular approaches to identify their taxonomic memberships. This study demonstrated that acid stress significantly impacts bacterial morphology, biofilm development, and increases antibiotic resistance in bacterial showerheads and water systems. Thus, this may pose serious challenges for effective antibiotic treatment of public health infections caused by bacterial pathogens in shower water systems. Keywords: Acid-tolerant bacteria, Showerhead, Antimicrobial resistance