ISOLATION OF ENTEROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI FROM SACHET WATER SOLD IN NAZE OWERRI

This study investigates the n1icrobiological quality of sachet water sold in Naze Owerri with a focus on assessing the bacterial contamination in the water. A total. of 50 sachet water samples were collected and analyzed for total heterot:rophic bacterial count (THBC) using nutrient a.gar. Biochemical tests were performed to identify the bacteria] isolates, and molecular tests such as Polyn1erasc Chain Reaction (PCR) were en1ployed to detect .Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). The results revealed bacterial contamination in the sachet water samples, with Sample A (Jedich Sac:het Water) showing bactedal coW1ts of 1 x 10"4 CFU/mL and 3 x 10"4 CFU/rnL, while Theory table Water exlubitcd a significantly higher count of 40 x 10"4 CFU/mL in one plate. Biochcn:1ical characterization showed that all. isolates were Grain-negative, catalase-positive, and appeared as cocci on nutrient agar and rods on Eosm Methylene Blue (EMB) agsx. PCR was used to detect EPEC strains by amplifying virulence genes such as eae and bjpA. The study concludes that sachet \Nater in Naze Owerri may not consistently meet nlicrohiological safe\y standards, posing a risk to public health. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory oversight, improving water trea-,r1ent processe&, conducting regular quality monitoring, promoting public awareness campaigns, and enhancing hygiene practices during handling and distribution. These steps are critical to reducing bacterial i:ontamination in sachet wai:er and ensuring the safety of consumers in the region.