Isolation and Characterisation of Esherichia coli O157 in Human Stool Samples from Parts of Kaduna Metropolis Nigeria

Abstract

Esherichia coli O157 is pathogenic strain of Esherichia coli that is known to cause diarrhoea leading to fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance and other severe complications like haemolytic uraemic syndrome. This work was therefore aimed at isolating and serologically characterising Esherichia coli O157 from human stool with the set objectives of identifying the risk factors associated with diarrhoea and determining the serological characteristics of Esherichia coli isolates. A total of one hundred and forty four (144) stool samples were collected from patients with age ranging from zero to sixty (0-60) years, statistical analysis of the risk factors showed that only zero to five years age range of the respondents had a significant statistical difference of 0.012 (P<0.05). The presumptive Esherichia coli isolates that appeared as green metallic sheen on Eosin Methylene Blue agar were picked and confirmed biochemically as Esherichia coli using Microgen biochemical test kit. The confirmed E. coli isolates were then cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar and the two isolates that appeared colourless on SMAC were confirmed serologically as Esherichia coli O157 using the latex agglutination test kit. Although 1.39% prevalence rate of Esherichia coli O157 was obtained it is pertinent to note that, Esherichia coli O157 is becoming a public health threat because of the debilitating effects it has on humans and also due to its low infectivity dose. There is therefore, the need for more public awareness to educate our citizens on ways of improving on the unsanitary environment.