Potentially pathogenic multidrug-resistant <i>Vibrio</i> sp. isolated from dumpsites in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Vibrio sp. is associated with several disease conditions. An assessment of the pathogenic potential of such strains is key in assessing the risk these organisms could pose to human health. This study therefore was aimed at analyzing the pathogenic potential of MDR Vibrio sp. isolated from select dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Two dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State were assessed for the presence of Vibrio sp. using standard microbiological techniques involving a pre-enrichment using alkaline peptone water, culture on Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose and biochemical characterisation. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the standard Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, pathogenic potential was assessed based on haemolytic activity and biofilm forming potential. Results showed that the highest rates of resistance were against cefuroxime (68.8%) while the lowest resistance rates (3.2%) were against the quinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin). In total, 38 antibiograms were observed among the 93 isolates with AUG-CAZ-CRX-CXM noted as the most commonly occurring antibiogram. Only 31.2% (29/93) of isolates were multidrug resistant. A total of 47.3% of the test isolates exhibited pathogenic potential (either haemolytic ability or biofilm forming potential), with more (37.6%) exhibiting biofilm forming potential. A co-occurrence of both pathogenic characteristics was observed in only 6 (13.6%) isolates. Of the 93 isolates, a co-occurrence of MDR and pathogenic potential was observed in 16.1% of isolates (15/93). This study shows a moderate association between potentially pathogenic multidrug resistance Vibrio sp. and the sampled dumpsites indicating a low potential public health risk because of the non-pathogenic nature of strains isolated.