Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water: evaluating antibiotic resistance and the presence of virulence genes.

ABSTRACT: Heterotrophic bacteria, impacting those with infections or compromised immunity, pose heightened health risks when resistant to antibiotics. This study investigates heterotrophic plate count bacteria in water from North West-C (NWC) and North West-G (NWG) facilities, revealing prevalent β-hemolysis (NWC 82.5%, NWG 86.7%), enzyme production (98%), and antibiotic resistance, especially in NWC. NWG exhibits variations in hemolysin (P = 0.013), lipase (P = 0.009), and DNase activity (P = 0.006). Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, persist throughout treatment, with high resistance to β-lactams and trimethoprim (47%-100%), predominantly in NWC. Multiple antibiotic resistance index indicates that 90% of values exceed 0.20, signifying isolates from high antibiotic usage sou

SUBMITTER: Molale-Tom LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10845987 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature