Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the drinking water distribution system of a medical centre in selangor

Abstract

Microbial contamination of drinking water distribution system by bacteria may occur at hospitals, healthcare and also many community area. This study is aimed to classify types of bacteria presence in the drinking water from distribution system collected at the medical centre. A total of three various areas of water distribution system were sampled using sterile water bottle. Samples were isolated on three different namely Nutrient agar, Mac Conkey agar and Blood agar. Pour plate method were used for viable bacterial counting in Nutrient agar. The colonies were subjected to Gram staining and morphological features of organism were observed microscopically. Total viable plate count indicated that samples collected at ward contained highest bacterial count for all three weeks which were logio(CFU)=5.65, logw(CFU)=5.47, and logw(CFU)= 5.65 respectively. The samples from the rest of the areas (cafe and emergency) were still showed the high amount bacterial counts but not as high as ward. While, qualitative analysis of bacterial isolates revealed the abundance of Gram negative bacilli sp followed by Gram positive bacilli sp, Gram negative cocci and Gram positive cocci. The presence of extremely high number of microorganisms in the drinking water of a medical centre may indicate the possible risk of increase waterborne transmission infection and suggest could be a source of prolonged hospitalization among warded patients as well as increase in hospital associated infection.