PREVALENCE OF TOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI AND SALMONELLA SPP ISOLATED FROM DUMPSITE LEACHATE

Dumpsite leachates are contaminated liquids that results from water passing through waste and decayed materials in refuse dump areas. Contaminants from leachate accumulates and drains into underground regions causing public health concerns. The effects of toxigenic Escherichia coli in the environment is the contamination of water sources, soil and food leading to outbreak of diarrhea diseases and other illnesses in humans and animals. This study aims at the investigation of the Prevalence of toxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella species isolated from dumpsite leachates.The Leachate samples were sourced from six different locations in Thinker’s Corner, Enugu state.The bacteria isolates were identified using standard cultural, morphological and biochemical tests. Molecular technique using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect presence of all Escherichia coli isolates containing the stx1 and stx2 genes. The antibiotics susceptibility profile of bacteria isolates from dumpsite leachate Samples shows percentage resistance ranging from the lowest resistance of Pefloxacin at (22%) to the highest resistance of Amoxicillin at (67%).These results reveals the total heterotrophic bacterial counts recorded during the analysis. Bacteria count ranged from the 1.00××106 ± 0.3 to 9.46×106 ± 0.4 cf/ml. Both stx1 and stx2 genes were detected to be (100%) present in Escherichia coli isolates.Virulence potential of the selected isolates were determined through standard in vitro phenotypic assays, specifically for beta hemolysis and biofilm formation.The presence of shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in dumpsite leachates exposes humans, aquatic life and environmental health at large to serious risks. There is the need for effective waste managements, water treatments and public health awareness campaign to mitigate associated dangers.