Bacterial Analysis of Urine Polluted Environments in Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi

Abstract

Urine remains sterile in the bladder. To carry out bacterial analysis of urine polluted environments in Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, soil samples and bathrooms floor swabs were collected from different sites within Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. They samples were taken to the Department of Microbiology Laboratory where they were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques which includes culture, microscopy and biochemical tests. The bacteria isolates from urine contaminated soil were identified to be Escherichia coli. Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp and Staphylococcus spp while isolates from bathroom swabs were identified to be Salmonella spp, E. coli, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp and Proteus spp. Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus spp and E. coli were also isolated from non urine contaminated (cleaned) bathrooms. E. coli was the most common organism. Pathognicity test was carried out to determine the disease causing ability of the isolates in humans. All isolates from the urine contaminated bathrooms except E. coli (isolated from urine contaminated bathroom A) were pathogenic. Salmonella spp and E. coli isolated from non urine contaminated (cleaned) bathroom A were also found to be pathogenic while E. coli (isolated from urine contaminated soil A), Enterobacter spp, Proteus spp and Staphylococcus spp were the pathogenic organisms amongst the isolates from the urine contaminated soils. From the analysis of the pathogenicity test using analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was significant difference in the pathogenicity test as the significant values (P-values) of the zones of haemolysis ranged between 0.51(8.3±2.08) to 1.00(12.00±2.00) which is beyond the level of significance where P<0.05. The study showed the diversity of pathogens in the urine polluted environments. However, this can be controlled through proper disinfection and avoiding indiscriminate urination.