Occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes in rivers found in Anambra state, Nigeria

The study involves the analysis of water samples obtained through simple random sampling (SRS) technique from selected rivers in Anambra State, Nigeria for presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resisistant genes. The high morbidity and mortality rate among the populace calls for this research. The most probable number (MPN) technique was utilized. Antibiotic susceptibility test, molecular characterization and plasmid profiling tests were carried out. The result of the MPN test indicated that coliform bacteria mostly Escherichia coli occurred predominantly in the water samples connoting effective confirmation of faecal contamination of the rivers. E. coli strains were distinguished by their ability to give colour changes on some lactose broth tubes impregnated with the water samples, surviving high temperatures of 45℃. Antibiotic susceptibility test results revealed that the E. coli isolates were resistant to all the seven antibiotics used namely, clindamycin, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, sulfonamides, ampicillin and tetracycline. The results of molecular characterization indicated that the most prevalent resistant genes detected in the water samples were the tet A, tet B, sul1 and sul2 of the E. coli strains. The results of the plasmid profiling of the isolates revealed the presence of plasmids on the identified genes. The inferential statistics was employed during data analysis. It was therefore evident that antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes occurred in the rivers studied. This then calls for concerted efforts to checkmate this occurrence with a view to promoting the good health of all and sundry.