Drug resistant enterobacteria in drinking water supplies of Kano State, Nigeria

Drinking water sources are epidemiologically suspected as one of the major transmission agents for pathogenic and perhaps drug resistant Enterobacteria. Accordingly, in the period October, 1995 – September, 1996, water samples as were available from tap, borehole, well, dams and rivers in randomly selected 19 Local Government areas of Kano State were screened for these bacteria. 1201 isolates comprising Citrobacter sp. (16.91%); Enterobacter aerogenes (14.99%); Klebsiella sp. (10.24%); Proteus sp. (9.58%); Shigella sp. (9.49%); Escherichia coli (8.24%); Salmonellae (7.99%) and Vibrio sp. (4.08%) as well as Pseudomonas Pyocyanea (18.48%) were detected. The total coliform counts, except for borehole water, were statistically above the WHO standard limit for potability (P≤0.05). In-vitro sensitivity test to Ampicillin, Amoxacillin, Carbenicillin, Cloxacilin, Erythromycin, Nitrofurantoin, Floxacin, Gentamacin, Penicillin, Streptomycin, tetracycline and Metronidazole showed varied frequencies of multiple resistance incidences. The study indicates presence of drug resistant Enterobacteria in drinking waters of Kano State. Result corroborates the findings of an earlier preliminary study on incidence of Enterobacterial infections in the state (1985 – 1995). Efficient treatment and storage, periodic bacteriological monitoring of drinking water, restriction in the use of antimicrobials are recommended for control of the menace.