Escherichia Coli

This study focused on the isolation and identification of bacteria from environmental hot spots using dumpsites located within Oredo Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, as reference points. The investigation aimed to assess the bacterial load, identify predominant microbial species, and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Ten samples were collected from various dumpsite points and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) ranged from 5 × 10⁴ to 1.25 × 10⁶ CFU/mL on MacConkey and EMB agars, indicating high microbial activity and organic contamination. Four representative isolates were further characterized biochemically and identified as Escherichia coli (three isolates) and Pseudomonas spp. (one isolate). Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method revealed that all isolates were highly sensitive to fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, peflacine) and aminoglycosides (gentamicin, streptomycin) but exhibited strong resistance to β-lactam antibiotics such as ceporex and cefuroxime. The dominance of E. coli reflects fecal contamination of the dumpsites, while the presence of Pseudomonas spp. highlights the persistence of environmental opportunistic pathogens. The results suggest that these dumpsites represent potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with implications for public health and environmental safety. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management, microbial monitoring, and enforcement of environmental sanitation standards to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Benin City and other urban areas of Nigeria.

Analysis of microorganisms isolated from refrigerator surfaces and interiors is crucial for assessing the cleanliness and potential health risks associated with these appliances. Microorganisms that thrive in low temperatures (psychrophiles) can cause food spoilage and pose a health risk through foodborne diseases such as Listeriosis, Botulism, Salmonellosis, and Diarrhea. Therefore, it is essential to identify the types and concentrations of microorganisms present in different areas of refrigerators. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of refrigerator exteriors and interiors in homes. Swabs and air samples were collected from 15 refrigerators in Ugbowo city and analyzed in a certified microbiology laboratory. Questionnaires were completed by refrigerator owners. Biochemical tests were used to further characterize the isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to determine the sensitivity or resistance of the identified isolates to various antibiotics. The results showed that the lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators cleaned weekly (3.01 ± 0.41 CFU/ml), while the highest count was observed in refrigerators cleaned once a month (3.29 ± 0.33 CFU/ml). The lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators with 5-9 hours of electricity supply (2.74 ± 0.20 CFU/ml), and the highest count was observed in refrigerators with 15-19 hours of electricity supply (3.56 ± 0.00 CFU/ml). The lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators without external power supply (2.61 ± 0.79 CFU/ml), while the highest count was observed in refrigerators with external power supply (3.25± 0.31 CFU/ml). All identified isolates were 12 susceptible to gentamicin antibiotics, while they were all resistant to erythromycin, metronidazole, carbenicillin, and cefoperazole antibiotics. All identified microbial isolates except S. enterica were susceptible to iprofloxacin, and all identified microbial isolates except E. coli were resistant to tetracycline antibiotics. The Susceptibility Index suggests that E. coli is the most susceptible to the antibiotics used, with the lowest Susceptibility Index value of 0.5, while S. enterica is the most resistant and least susceptible, with the highest value of 0.75. Both are indicators of high-risk contamination sources, according to Davis and Brown (2016), with a value of ≥0.2 or higher being indicative of a "high-risk" contamination source. These results demonstrate the presence of various types of microorganisms in refrigerators. Domestic refrigerators may be considered as a significant potential source of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is imperative to educate households, laboratories, and the general public about proper refrigeration practices. Regular (weekly) and thorough cleaning of refrigerators is essential to reduce the presence of microorganisms/microbial load

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern in many developing communities. This study assessed the quality of drinking water and associated human health risks among households in Uholor Community, located off Upper Ekehaun, Benin City, Edo State. Water samples were collected from multiple household sources, including boreholes, wells, and stored water, and analyzed for key physicochemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods.
The results revealed variations in water quality across sources, with several samples exceeding recommended limits for parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and microbial contamination indicators, including total coliforms and Escherichia coli. The presence of these contaminants suggests potential pollution from environmental and anthropogenic activities, including poor sanitation practices and inadequate waste disposal systems. Health risk assessment indicated that residents may be exposed to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, and cholera, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Overall, the findings highlight significant concerns regarding the safety of drinking water in the study area. The study recommends regular monitoring of water quality, improved sanitation infrastructure, public health education, and the implementation of appropriate water treatment methods at the household level. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential to reducing health risks and improving the overall well-being of the Uholor Community.

This study accessed the microbial analysis of melon seeds purchased from different vendors in New Benin market, Ogida market, Oba market and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected in sterile plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for microbiological assessment following standard procedures. The microbiological assessment was carried out using cultural techniques. Identification of the microbial isolates was done using biochemical methods, phenotypic virulence properties were evaluated for the isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the bacterial counts ranged from 1.96±0.67 to 3.45±1.15x105 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x103 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x103 CFU/g. The bacterial isolated from the melon seed samples were Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus aureus. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp respectively. The antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and levofloxacin but were also resistant to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ampiclox, zinnacef, amoxicillin and rocephin. It was also evident that all isolates were found to have an MAR index greater than 0.2 which means that the isolates were all pathogens of public health importance. The study therefore suggests regular surveillance and checks to monitor local vended foods on sale to ensure effective food safety.

External eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms invade the eyes thereby inflicting harm. Infection in the eyes occurs in three main parts: eyelid, cornea and conjunctiva. The study was carried out to assess bacterial associated with ocular infections. A questionnaire was used to obtain participants demographics and basic general information related to the work. Thereafter samples from 50 healthy students in university of Benin was obtained from the lower cul-de-sac by using a sterile swap stick. Within 4-6 hours of collection, the samples were transported under aseptic condition to the laboratory for analysis. On MacConkey agar, nutrient agar, and mannitol salt agar, the samples were inoculated. The microbes isolated were determined using typical microbial and biological procedures. Antimicrobial test was carried out to ascertain the sensitivity or resistant status of each isolate. The commonest flora isolated was Escherichia Coli in 96% of participants. The total mean CFU for males and females was 3.145 and 2.660 respectively (p=0.519). There was a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with prevalence of Escherichia Coli (p=0.009), also a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with percentage of occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=<0.001). There was also a relationship between history of visit to clinic and percentage occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=0.010) and history of visit to clinic with percentage occurrence of Escherichia Coli (0.023) and also a significant relationship was seen between the listed names of the eyedrop with percentage of occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.054). This study showed that lifestyles factors such as contact lens use and eye drop use can affect the normal flora of a person.