GRAM NEGATIVE ORGANISMS

This study investigated the presence of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater collected from selected environmental hotspots within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Wastewater samples were aseptically collected from Ramat Park and Ramat Market, sites characterized by intense commercial activity and poor sanitation. Samples were serially diluted and cultured on selective and differential media including MacConkey and EMB agar. Bacterial isolates were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3 × 10 4 to 9.2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL, indicating high microbial contamination. Predominant isolates included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, and Klebsiella species, suggesting fecal pollution and environmental contamination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (such as Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, and Cefuroxime), while isolates showed greater susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (such as Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin) and aminoglycosides (such as Gentamicin and Streptomycin). These findings indicate the presence of opportunistic pathogens and multidrugresistant bacteria in wastewater environments, posing potential public health risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved wastewater management, environmental sanitation, and continuous microbial surveillance to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance within the community.