Abstract

Microbial quality of water using Salmonella species in water sources was investigated in two Local Government Areas in Anambra State, between the months of September and December, 2013. A total of 220 water samples were analyzed using Bacteriological Analytic method and membrane filtration method. Antimicrobial Susceptibility test by disc diffusion method and serotyping was done using slide agglutination methods with polyvalent antiserum. Salmonella species was most prevalent (35.0%) in Reservoir water samples and least prevalent (7.45) in Borehole-water samples examined. Salmonella typhi had the highest prevalence rate of (40.05), Salmonella enteric (92.80%), Salmonella paratyphoid A (23.05), and Salmonella paratyphoid C least prevalent (9.43%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that 24 Salmonella species (44.46%) were sensitive to10ug Ciproflaxin while Penicillin (30mg) had the highest resistance rate of 54 (100%). This study portrays the diversity of Salmonella species and indicator organisms in water sources in the study area. There is need therefore to put in place appropriate intervention strategies to control the spread of Salmonella bacilli from these sources to human population.

Keywords: Salmonella species; Water sources; Two Local government areas of anambra state