Abstract
Vibrio species are autochthonous in the aquatic environment, and are among the leading causes of waterborne disease outbreaks. The ecological prevalence of Vibrio spp. is however influenced by the environmental dynamics of the reservoir system. The study was therefore aimed at assessing the physicochemical as well as seasonal factors that influence the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in some communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. A total of 28 water samples collected in two seasons, were subjected to bacteriological and physicochemical analysis, using standard procedures. The data obtained from the study showed that the physicochemical parameters were within WHO permissible limits except for pH which had mean values within the acidic range and varied between 5.51±0.32 during the wet season, and 5.78±0.79 during the dry season. Statistical analysis of the data obtained however showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the conductivity values with respect to location, sample type (boreholes and wells) and season, TDS, Salinity and pH were however, significantly different (p < 0.05) with respect to location only. The study on the prevalence of the Vibrio spp. in the water sources showed a prevalence rate of 29.16% in the well water samples compared to the borehole water samples with 25% mean prevalence rate. The prevalence based on location further showed that Inyorong Community had the highest prevalence rate of 50%, followed by Ngo Community with 37.5% prevalence rate, while Ukwa Community had the lowest prevalence rate of 12.5 %. Also, assessment of the seasonal prevalence of the bacteria revealed the occurrence of the isolates was 37.5% and 16.6% in the wet and dry season, respectively. The presence of Vibrio spp. in these communities in Andoni Local Government Area is of a public health concern. Regular surveillance alongside preventive measures is therefore recommended for the prevention of cholera related disease outbreaks.
Highlights
The family Vibrionaceae consist of seven bacterial genera that are Gram negative, non-spore forming usually curved rods that are either motile or non- motile
Treatment of vibrio spp. infections depends on the causative strain, treatment ranges from rehydration therapy to debridement of infected tissues from wound infections caused by V. vulnificus and administration of antibiotics for severe cholera and systemic infections [2]
Data obtained from the physicochemistry of the water samples showed the mean temperature values varied from 29.01±0.78 to 29.98±0.86oC
Summary
The family Vibrionaceae consist of seven bacterial genera that are Gram negative, non-spore forming usually curved rods that are either motile or non- motile. Cholera is a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 (classical or ELTor) and O139 [3] It is a food and waterborne disease that can be transmitted amongst humans and transmission is enhanced by poor sanitary conditions and hygiene, as well as inadequate water supply. V. parahaemolyticus is halophilic and autochthonous to marine environment and can cause food/waterborne gastroenteritis in humans especially after consuming water, vegetables, raw or undercooked seafood that is contaminated [6]. It has been implicated in food borne, ear and wound infections and septicemia. In severe cases internal organs like liver, spleen, lung could be damaged, patients become unconsciousness, pale, go into shock with recurrent convulsions, and death may occur [8]
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