Microbiology Research Journal International

Water quality is essential for life, but contamination from heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in aquatic environments poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of untreated water sources fed into in Sokoto water board, to assess water suitability for consumption and potential public health risks. A total of 15 water samples were collected from five locations these includes; Sokoto mechanic village, Tudun Wada, Waziri C, Tashar Illela garage and water board pre-treatment and analysed for microbial quality which involved bacterial isolation and identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing biochemical test and the Kirby-Bauer method. Isolates exhibiting high resistance profiles were further subjected to molecular identification. Nine bacterial species were isolated and identified, with the highest frequencies attributed to Escherichia coli (43.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (37.25%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed alarming resistance, particularly in E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which was highly resistant to Septrin (100%), ciprofloxacin (80%), levofloxacin (80%), and amoxicillin/augmentin (60-75%). Further molecular analysis of multi-drug-resistant strains identified emergent pathogens such as Aeromonas bivalvium and Psychrobacter sanguinis. This study underscores the significant public health risk posed by highly contaminated water fed into Sokoto water board, driven by the widespread presence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria.