DETECTION OF CARBAPENEM- RESISTANT ESCHERICHIA. COLI IN BOREHOLE WATER SOURCE IN ELELE, RIVERS STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Escherichia coli (E. coli), a fecal coliform bacterium, is widely recognized as an indicator of fecal contamination in water and a marker of poor water quality. This study aimed to detect carbapenem-resistant E-coli in borehole water sources within selected girls’ hostels at Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State. Water samples were collected from eight hostels using sterile 1-litre containers and analyzed using membrane filtration techniques. A total of 100 mL from each sample was cultured for bacteriological examination. The results showed the presence of E-coli in specific hostel samples, with total coliform counts ranging from 0.0 to 4.0 CFU/100 mL. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all E-coli isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including ceflazidime, gentamycin, cefixime, augmentin, cefuroxime, and nitrofurantoin. Only ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin demonstrated partial effectiveness, though with intermediate clinical breakpoints. These findings highlight the potential health risks posed by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in borehole water and emphasize the need for regular water quality monitoring and stricter antibiotic usage policies to prevent the spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
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