Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique Research Articles

Bacteriological Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality from Kabul University Taps

Human health is significantly affected by poor-quality drinking water, and water-borne diseases are of the most significant concern. A wide variety of microorganisms contaminate drinking water. Water consumers face substantial challenges due to these pollutants and harmful bacteria. To evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water samples from different places to identify and count Escherichia coli and Coliform bacteria, multiple tube fermentation technique tests (most likely 100 ml) were used. Bacteria were identified using their morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics. Sixty tap water samples were collected from different locations at Kabul University. Of these, 36 samples (60 %) were positive for E. coli and Coliform bacteria, and 24 (40 %) were negative. Girls’ and boys’ dormitories showed the highest bacterial contamination level among the multiple positive water samples collected from different locations. Thirty-one samples (86.1 %) of the water were contaminated with Coliform, and five (13.8 %) samples revealed contamination with E. coli. Therefore, it is suggested that all drinking water sources should plan and carry out regular bacteriological evaluations, water supply monitoring, regular treatment, and adequate sanitation.

Fecal coliform assessment and detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and tetA in Escherichia coli isolated from selected river waters of Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Fecal coliforms (FCs) are generally used as indicators of fecal pollution in water systems. High levels of FC pollution in water bodies may also be associated with antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli, a member of the FC group, is generally commensal and harmless. However, some strains can cause various diseases in humans. The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli has been reported in several river systems worldwide. Herein, we report the most probable number (MPN) of FC and E. coli and the first detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and i>blaSHVetA antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as well as ARG combinations (i.e. blaTEM + tetA and blaSHV + tetA) in E. coli isolates from river waters with high levels of FC in Tacloban City. MPN was determined using a multiple-tube fermentation technique, and ARG was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results show that the Bagacay River had the highest MPN of FC and E. coli (both >160,000 MPN/100 mL), followed by the Burayan Creek (>160,000 MPN/100 mL; 160,000 MPN/100 mL), the Mangonbangon River (92,000 MPN/100 mL; 54,000 MPN/100 mL), and the Tigbao River (35,000 MPN/100 mL; 24,000 MPN/100 mL). Among the 113 uidA gene-confirmed E. coli isolates, blaTEM, blaSHV, and tetA were detected in 39 (34.5%), 7 (6.2%), and 83 (73.5%) E. coli isolates, respectively. Moreover, 34 (30%) of the isolates possess both blaTEM and tetA, and five (4.4%) of the isolates have both i>blaSHV and tetA. These results imply that the rivers are unsafe for anthropogenic use and the presence of ARGs in E. coli isolates pose a threat for locals. Hence, the public is urged to ensure safety and awareness in relation to these water environments. Further monitoring and source tracking are recommended to enhance environmental and public health safety among locals.

An Investigation into the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater in an Industrial Hub in Mid-Hills of Northern India

Frequent water-borne disease outbreaks affecting human health have been reported in district Solan, which is a rapidly industrialing region of Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India. For ascertaining the cause, microbiological assessment of drinking groundwater sources of the region was undertaken. For this, thermotolerant coliform study and genome typing were undertaken. Multiple tube fermentation technique was employed in selected five sources to detect thermotolerant coliforms during the seasons of monsoon and post-monsoon in the years 2018-19. Thermotolerant coliforms varied in Most Probable Number from 2-34 per 100 ml water indicating contaminated water sources, densities being significantly more in monsoon months (p< 0.05). Four different coliform morphotypes were obtained from all the sources on Eosin Methylene Blue plates. Of these, the only strain, designated as Nalagarh Water Strain (NGW), was recovered from all sources, suggesting its prevalence. Based upon biochemical and morphological attributes, the strain was recognized as Escherichia coli. Conversely, molecular characterization (16S rRNA ribotyping) identified it as Raoultella planticola (GenBank accession No. MK318824). The strain was deposited in a National Culture Collection Centre, National Centre for Microbial Resources, Pune, Maharashtra (India) with deposition accession number MCC 4064 for future utility in public research activities. Microbiological assessment evinced contaminated drinking water sources, probably causing diarrhoeal diseases. 16S rRNA ribotyping assisted in correct identification of the microorganism.

ISOLATION OF MULTI DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA FROM BORE WATER SAMPLES IN AND AROUND VISAKHAPATNAM

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of groundwater contamination by isolating total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and bacterial pathogens.
 Methods: A total of 32 water samples, comprising 5 samples from each GVMC urban area zone, Visakhapatnam were randomly collected from different areas. Evaluation of Total and fecal coliform counts was done by using multiple-tube fermentation technique and were reported as the most probable number (MPN) of organisms present per 100 ml of sample.
 Results: The samples collected from the zones Yendada (zone I), Marripalem (zone IV), Chinna musidiwada (zone VI) showed the highest total and fecal coliform counts (MPN>180). Nearly 30 samples (94%) yielded bacterial isolates. Among the isolates Pseudomonas spp. showed highest susceptibility to cefepime and imipenem antibiotics. All the microorganisms isolated were multidrug resistant with a multidrug antibiotic resistant index more than 0.2.
 Conclusion: These multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are considered as a major threat to the public health and should receive more attention.

Coliform pollution mapping in major watersheds along Jhelum River Basin of Kashmir Himalaya.

Coliform pollution for the last three decades in major river systems of the world has resulted in far ranging impacts on water quality. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the levels of indicator bacteria like total Coliform (TC), fecal Coliform (FC) and fecal Streptococcus (FS) in major watersheds of Kashmir valley. Sampling was carried out for a period of 2 years (summer 2017 to spring 2019) along several upstream, midstream and downstream reaches of Jhelum River Basin (JRB), while analysis was carried out by multiple tube fermentation technique involving Most Probable Number (MPN). Major highlights of the results revealed high levels of TC, FC and FS among downstream sites with pronounced seasonal variations between summer and winter. TC was highest at all the reaches and during all the seasons followed by FC and FS. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed more variation in Coliform count among reaches as compared to seasons. Mantle test revealed that environmental factors like observable environmental pressure (OEP) (r: 0.235, p < 0.0001), DO (r: 0.2815, p < 0.0001) and temperature (r: 0.04419, p = 0.0104) had prominent effect on Coliform distribution as compared to geographical factors. The study thus highlights the prevalence of Coliform bacteria along JRB resulting from fecal sources. Due to growing urbanization and lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities, there is an increase in the levels of Coliform bacteria along downstream reaches especially those residing within lowerJhelum and Dara watershed, which could jeopardize water quality and public health.

A Case for Adoption of Industry-Wide Application of Solar Disinfection of Packaged Drinking Water Before Distribution in Nigeria

The study makes a case for adoption of an industry-wide application of solar disinfection (SODIS) in the disinfection of packaged water at the production stage. To do this, 60 samples, comprising 12 brands of bottled water and 18 brands of sachet-packaged water were randomly purchased from street vendors in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and investigated. One sample was hidden from sunlight while the other sample was exposed to a day of sunlight before the two samples were subjected to microbial analysis for the determination of total coliform (TC) using the method of multiple-tube fermentation technique (MPN). Results show that 63% of packaged water vended in Nsukka is not fit for consumption. The risk of contamination is about 44% higher in sachet water when compared with bottled water (relative risk = 1.44). Exposing packaged water to a day of sunlight reduces the risk of consuming contaminated water by about 97% (relative risk reduction value = 0.97). Advocacy of industry-wide application of SODIS may hold the key to ending widespread contamination of packaged water and the resulting life-threatening illnesses that have decimated the population of developing countries.

Water quality of Puerto Princesa Bay in relation to the presence of informal settlers in its coastal areas

In this study, the water quality of four coastal areas in Puerto Princesa Bay, with and without informal settlers, were compared in terms of the phytoplankton composition and density, fecal coliform and physicochemical parameters during a 12-month sampling period. Microscopic examination and identification using phytoplankton monographs showed five harmful algal blooms (HABs) genera (Alexandrium, Dinophysis, Nitzschia, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Pyrodinium) with Dinophysis spp. as the most abundant in coastal areas with informal settlers and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in areas without informal settlers. Eight phytoplankton genera (Coscinodiscus, Proboscia, Rhizosolenia, Skeletonema, Ceratium, Prorocentrum, Protoperidinium, and Oscillatoria) reported to have caused algal blooms were also observed with Coscinodiscus spp. as the most abundant in both groups of coastal areas. Multiple-tube fermentation technique showed fecal coliform count ranging from 4 to &gt;1600 most probable number (MPN)/100 ml in the coastal areas with informal settlers and from &lt;1.8 to 295 MPN/100 ml in areas without informal settlers. Multiprobe measurements showed that both groups of coastal areas have similar physicochemical characteristics with only the dissolved oxygen failing to meet the Philippine standards for class SB waters. There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in water quality between the coastal areas with and without informal settlers in terms of fecal coliform and the density of four phytoplankton genera (Pseudo-nitzschia, Skeletonema, Alexandrium and Ceratium). However, there is no significant difference in terms of the physicochemical parameters. Regression analysis indicates that the presence of informal settlers could affect water quality in terms of fecal coliform and the five phytoplankton genera (Coscinodiscus, Pseudo-nitzschia, Skeletonema, Alexandrium and Ceratium).

Seasonal assessment of Faecal Contamination in groundwater in rural areas of Goharganj, district Raisen (Madhya Pradesh), India

In rural areas, bacterial contamination in drinking water quality is a growing concern throughout the world.The present study dealt with seasonal assessment of faecal contamination in rural areas of Goharganj,district Raisen. Forty sites were sampled and analysed for T. coliform, F. coliform and F. streptococcus byusing multiple tube fermentation technique for premonsoon, postmonsoon and winter season for a periodof two years from 2018-2020. The average bacterial count (MPN/100 ml) of T. coliform was found to be 4.61,5.31, 5.08, and for F. coliform 2.95, 3.45, 3.37 and for F. streptococcus 1.8, 2.21, 1.94 for premonsoon,postmonsoon and winter season respectively. The highest bacterial count was found in postmonsoon seasonpreceded by winter and premonsoon season. This was construed as a major concern for the humans andposed a health risk for the consumers of such contaminated drinking water. In near future, the rural areasmay have community programmes for the eradication of unhygienic practices and safe drinking water.

Study of seroprevalence of hepatitis a and e viruses in patients of acute viral hepatitis in a tertiary care centre in sub himalayan region

Acute viral hepatitis is a systemic infection affecting the liver predominantly. It is common health problem in areas where safe drinking water is not universally available. In recent times we have witnessed frequent outbreaks as a result of that.: To estimate sero-positivity of Hepatitis A and E viruses in indoor patients of hepatitis, presenting with jaundice using ELISA.: Blood samples and clinical information were collected from cases of jaundice and referred to VRDL lab for analysis over a period of 1 year.: Samples were tested for anti –HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and anti –HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM).Data was entered into a pre-structured data entry form, on Microsoft Excel sheet.The viral etiology was confirmed in 236 (41.1%) cases while in 337 (58.8%) cases no hepatitis virus could be detected, hepatitis E virus were found to be maximum in 45.76% cases, followed by HAV (39.83% cases)and while in 14.41% cases no hepatitis virus could be detected.: Routine basic microbiological analysis of drinking water should be carried out by assaying the presence of Escherichia coli by the multiple tube fermentation technique.

Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water and Hygienic Assessment of Water Cooler Dispensers in Higher Education Institution

Background:The bacteriological quality of drinking water has become a public health concern according to its association with water-borne diseases. Nowadays, there are several different types of drinking water, including water cooler dispensers (WCDs), which are becoming a popular device in educational institutions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the bacteriological quality of drinking water from WCDs, and inspect their hygienic conditions in students’ dormitories at a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.Methods:Water samples from 53 WCDs installed in 13 dormitories were collected and analyzed coliform bacteria by using the multiple-tube fermentation technique. The hygienic inspection form from the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, was used for inspection of the sanitary conditions. The hygienic factors of water cooler sanitation were analyzed using the generalized linear model.Results:Coliform bacteria were found in 10 out of 53 samples; moreover, Escherichia coli was recovered in three samples. Maintenance/cleaning and monitoring were the most two sanitary issues found in 100% (53/53) of the WCDs. Location and features of machine were found the correlation with the prevalence of coliform bacteria in drinking water.Conclusions:The findings of this study suggest regular monitoring of water quality in educational institutions. Also, the Sanitary Standard and Operational Procedures (S.S.O.P.) should be developed to improve the hygienic conditions of the water cooler dispensers.

BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF ICE AND ASSOCIATED SANITARY CONDITIONS IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE PREMISES IN THASALA, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, THAILAND

Ice is widely used in food and drink establishments for refreshing drinks and food preservation. Therefore, the contamination of ice, especially microbial contamination, could be the vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to consumers. This study aimed to determine of bacteriological quality of ice sold at food and beverage premises. The sanitary conditions of the premises were also investigated. Edible ice samples from 12 premises were collected and analyzed coliform bacteria using the multiple-tube fermentation technique. Modified food sanitation inspection form from the Bureau of Food and Water Sanitation, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, was used for inspection of food and beverage premises. It was found that all samples were positive for coliform bacteria, ranging from 140 - &gt; 24,000 MPN/ 100 mL, which is inconsistent with the standard permission level in terms of total coliform bacteria of the Thailand office of Food and Drug Administration. Ice storage and the handwashing behaviour of food handlers were the main sanitary issues found from the sanitary conditions survey. The finding of this study urges the regulatory guidelines for monitoring ice quality and the sanitary conditions of food and beverage premises to protect the consumers’ health from the consumption of unsafe ice.

Bacteriological assessment of the recreational water of Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

In early 2018, the recreational water of Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines was declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be contaminated with a coliform count of 1,139 MPN 100 ml-1 sample water. Although water quality assessment was done in the area, no study was conducted on the associated clinically important bacterial pathogens. This study was conducted to assess the microbial contamination and presence of some pathogens, and to compare microbial contamination between 2018 and 2019 in Bacuit Bay. Surface water samples were collected from 11 stations in Bacuit Bay in June 2018 and June 2019. The multiple tube fermentation technique was done to assess the coliform contamination. Selective and differential microbial culture media were used to isolate some clinically important pathogens. Results showed that in 2018, all stations were positive with coliform where nine out of 11 stations exceeded the acceptable level of coliform count for recreational waters. Also, there were eight clinically important putative bacterial pathogens isolated, the Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sp., Salmonella sp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae. In 2019, the coliform count and the associated bacterial pathogens decreased in number with only two out of 11 stations exceeded the acceptable level and two of eight bacterial pathogens were detected. These could be attributed to the activities that were conducted by the local government unit of El Nido to mitigate the pollution in the coastal environment.

Microbiological status of drinking water sources and its relationship with human health in Solan, India.

In Solan district, the developmental activities associated with chemical based farming, rapid urbanization, and rampant industrialization have led to many diarrhoeal, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis disease outbreaks. This has necessitated for microbiological assessment of indicator organisms, the thermotolerant coliforms, in drinking water sources, and their relationship with diarrhoeal disease. All the 49 Public Health Institutes (PHIs) of the district were categorized into very low, low, moderate, and high disease burden regions by stratification method. For drinking water, 55.5, 16.5, and 17% people preferred springs, borewells, and hand-pump respectively. These sources inventoried by Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice survey in one of very low and seven of high disease burden regions, and were analyzed by multiple tube fermentation technique. A cross-sectional survey of 200 children was undertaken for diarrhoeal disease estimation. Parwanoo, an industrial and Kurgal, a non industrial region witnessed highest (30.20) and lowest (4.40) Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 ml water of thermotolerant coliforms, respectively. Thermotolerant coliforms were also observed significantly more (16.77 MPN/100 ml water) in monsoon than in post monsoon season (9.04 MPN per 100 ml water). The thermotolerant coliform Escherichia coli was recovered from six and three water sources respectively during monsoon and post monsoon. A strong correlation (r = 0.78) existed between the diarrhoeal disease occurrence and the concentration of thermotolerant coliforms in monsoon whereas it was moderate (r = 0.61) in post monsoon. The study indicated more contamination of water sources due to industrial activities which further got aggravated during the rainy season of the region.

Development of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization as a Rapid, Accurate Method for Detecting Coliforms in Water Samples.

Coliform bacteria are indicators of water quality; however, most detection methods for coliform bacteria are time-consuming and nonspecific. Here, we developed a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) approach to detect four types of coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Citrobacter freundii, simultaneously in water samples using specific probes for 16S rRNA. This FISH method was applied to detect coliform bacteria in simulated water and domestic wastewater samples and compared with traditional detection methods (e.g., plate counting, multiple-tube fermentation (MTF) technique, and membrane filter (MF) technique). Optimal FISH conditions for detecting the four types of coliforms were found to be fixation in 3% paraformaldehyde at 4 °C for 2 h and hybridization at 50 °C for 1.5 h. By comparing FISH with plate counting, MTF, MF, and a commercial detection kit, we found that FISH had the shortest detection time and highest accuracy for the identification of coliform bacteria in simulated water and domestic wastewater samples. Moreover, the developed method could simultaneously detect individual species and concentrations of coliform bacteria. Overall, our findings indicated that FISH could be used as a rapid, accurate biosensor system for simultaneously detecting four types of coliform bacteria to ensure water safety.

Coliform bacteria in San Pedro Lake, western Mexico.

Urbanization, livestock activities, and rainfall are factors that contribute to the contamination of inland water. This study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal variability of total coliforms (TCs) and fecal coliforms (FCs) in the surface water of San Pedro Lake as well as the gills and skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in the lake. The study consisted of seasonal sampling during an annual cycle. Using the multiple-tube fermentation technique, we quantified the microbial load of TCs in the lake and fish. The median of the TC and FC groups in surface water showed differences during the seasonal cycle, in which a significant correlation was observed between rainfall and bacterial load in the lake surface water. There was a significant seasonal difference between FCs and TCs in the gills as well as in skin FCs. Anthropogenic activities in the watershed combined with rainfall influence the bacterial load of San Pedro Lake. However, the water quality is still classified as excellent and uncontaminated according to Mexican regulations with lower FC values acceptable for higher FC values. In addition, the bacterial load in tilapia from San Pedro Lake does not pose a risk to human health. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Watershed livestock activities combined with rainfall increase fecal matter pollution in specific areas of the lake. San Pedro Lake displays satisfactory quality for aquatic life. The median fecal coliform population in lake fish (gills and skin) differs by season.

DETERMINATION OF HISTAMINE-FORMING BACTERIA, TOTAL COLIFORM AND ESCHERICHIA COLI IN FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented fishery food products have been generally sold in the local market, Thailand. These products were frequently contaminated with various microorganisms due to raw material and unhygienic production process. Determination of microbial contamination of fermented food products helps to assure safety for consumers. Therefore, the aims of the study were to determine total bacteria, total coliform, Escherichia coli and histamine producing bacteria from fermented fishery food products commercially distributed in several regions of Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. Twenty-two samples of fermented fishery food products were randomly collected for bacterial contamination assay. All samples revealed the levels of pH and salt content in the range of 3.67-7.46 and 8.46%-29.69%, respectively. The bacterial contamination of the samples was tested by total plate count method. Determination of coliform bacteria and E. coli was examined by multiple-tube fermentation technique. Total bacteria, total coliform and E. coli of all samples were in the range of 2.15-7.54 log CFU/g, < 3-460 MPN/g and < 3-93 MPN/g, respectively. In addition, thirteen histamine-forming bacteria were found on histamine-forming bacteria isolation agar after incubation at 37°C for 4 days. Five isolates of histamine-forming bacteria named M1, M3, M9, M11, and M13 were selected to identify by molecular techniques. M1 and M3 were obtained from shrimp paste (Kapi) and M11 was obtained from fermented fish (Pla Pang Dang). They were identified as Enterobacter sp. M9 and M13 isolated from fermented fish (Pla Som and Pla Ra) were identified as Citrobacter farmeri and Staphylococcus kloosii, respectively.

Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance (En-Amr) in Surface Water of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala

Aim: The study was done to understand the microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance pattern in surface water environment.&#x0D; Study Area and Sampling: Water samples collected from selected water bodies in the main urban area of Thiruvananthapuram were analysed for the presence of coliforms and the pattern of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial cultures isolated from the water samples.&#x0D; Methodology: The total coliform count and faecal coliform count was determined using the multiple tube fermentation technique and the total heterotrophic bacterial count was performed using nutrient agar media. The bacterial cultures were identified using biochemical characterization and Antibiotic susceptibility patterns for the various bacterial isolates were determined using commercial antibiotic disks (Hi Media, Mumbai) in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The antibiotics used were Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline and Meropenem. Multiple Antibiotic resistances (MAR) index was determined for those isolates which showed resistance to more than three antibiotics.&#x0D; Results: The total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were significantly high in all the sites, indicating that the water bodies are sewage contaminated. The biochemical identification of bacterial strains isolated from water sample showed the presence of E. coli, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Clostridium sp, Neisseria sp, Enterobacter sp, Enterococcus sp and Streptococcus sp in varying frequencies in different sites. Among these 58 isolates, 26 strains were found to be resistant against 3 or more antibiotics and hence, designated as multi drug resistant. The isolates were highly resistant to Ampicillin (98%), Chloramphenicol (53%) and Gentamycin (44%); and highly susceptible to Meropenem (86%), Ciprofloxacin (69%) and Tetracyclin (58%). E. coli showed maximum resistance to all the antibiotics. One- way ANOVA of the obtained data revealed that there is no significance difference in spatial distribution of antibiotic resistance.

Isolation and identification of microorganisms from water samples in rivers state university of science and technology tanks

Safe drinking water is vital for the survival of humans and other living organisms that depend on it, but when pathogens are present, it limits the use of the water. The microorganisms present in Rivers State University of Science and Technology hostels water tanks were isolated and identified; and the effects of the microbes were determined. Six (6) water samples gotten from different tanks were analysed for their microbiological quality for a period of three (3) weeks. Fungal colonies were isolated using the wet mount technique on commercially prepared Potato dextrose agar (PDA), the multiple tube fermentation technique with MacConkey broth and Nutrient agar were used as media for the isolation and identification of the bacterial colonies. From the analysis, the bacterial count was higher than the fungal count. This indicates faecal contamination ranging between 5 x 100 to 2.6 x 101 coliform (MPN) per 100ml. Also, the total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 4.05 x 106 to 1.14 x 107 with the fungal count being the lowest by having 7.0 x 104 to 1.8 x 105. The microorganisms isolated from the water tank samples were Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, Rhizopus species, Mucor species, Escherichia species, Enterobacter species, Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species and Klebsiella species. Klebsiella species which are high across all samples have been known to cause destructive pneumonia. The occurrence of these pathogenic bacteria in drinking water may increase the risks of water-related diseases and health problems to the susceptible residents

Isolation and Enumeration of Escherichia coli from Soil and Water

Majority of the population of Bangladesh depend on tap or surface water as their source of water supply. This study was carried out to examine the microbial quality of both water and soil collected from different places using the multiple tube fermentation technique to determine coliform count by the most probable number (MPN) method in brilliant green lactose broth (BGLB) media.Inoculum from positive tubes of the presumptive test were further transferred on eosinemethylene blue (EMB) and MacConkey agar.The organisms isolated were further characterized using biochemical tests. Out of 93 water samples, 30 (32.26%) indicated the presence of lactose fermenter and gas producer in all 3 tubes of dilution series using inoculum quantities of 1.0, 0.1 and 0.01 ml, whereas out of 85 soil samples, 45 (52.94%) showed acid and gas production in all 3 tubes of dilution series.Among 85 soil samples, 40 samples that contained at least one positive in each dilution series and among 93 water samples, 31 samples that contained at least one positive in each dilution series were further re-identified with biochemical tests.This study showed 30.59% soil isolates and 26.88% water isolates were Escherichia coli which highlighted the fact that both water and soil act as a major reservoir of E.coli, which indicates possible fecal contamination as well as presence of potentially pathogenic E. coli.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 36 Number 2 December 2019, pp 75-77

Assessment of Watercare Efficacy on Treatment of Water for Human Consumption in Makurdi Metropolis Nigeria

Assessment of the efficacy of Water-Care in the treatment of water to safe health level was carried out on water samples from different water sources within six populated communities of Makurdi Metropolis. Thirty six (36) water samples were collected and treated with WaterCare based on the product manufacturer’s instructions. Treated water stored for 30 minutes and 24 hours were tested for coliforms using Multiple Tube Fermentation technique. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) for multiple comparisons of the data variables. Most probable Number (MPN) of coliforms /100mL of sampled water ranged from 43 to &gt;1,100cfu/100ml. Mean MPN of treated water for30 minutes and 24 hours interval was 37.7±33.0cfu/100ml and 16.17±14.8cfu/100ml respectively. Improved/deep sources such as boreholes show 3cfu/100ml and 0cfu/100ml respectively for 30 minutes and 24 hours treatment while unimproved/shallow sources such as wells show ≤120 cfu/100ml and ≤53 cfu/100ml respectively for 30 minutes and 24 hour interval. A significant difference between treated samples and the untreated was observed (F = 6.321, P = 0.005). Tukey multiple comparison test revealed that MPN index/100ml in the water samples was significantly lower (P =0.015, P =0.009) after treating for 30 minutes and 24 hour time interval respectively as compared to untreated water. But there was no significant difference between the 30 minute and 24 hour time interval (P =0.970). The study found that, drinking water sources in Makurdi Township were heavily contaminated, and that 30 minutes and 24 hours’ time interval was not a sufficient time for total elimination of bacteria contaminants after treatment with WaterCare. Future research should ascertain the actual treatment time for inactivation of all bacteria in water treated with WaterCare.