Isolation and Identification of Multiple Drug Resistant Bacterial Pathogens from Well Water Samples in and Around Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia

Water for human consumption is required to be free from any bacteria that might pose a health risk. The worldwide prevalence of pathogen contamination is a serious concern, and enhancing the understanding of major pathogen sources and their significant impacts on water resources is crucial. Further, these organisms underwent multiple drug resistance in their systems. The present study mainly focused on Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens in well water system in and around Wolaita Sodo Town. A total of 380 well water samples were collected and screened for SPC, enrichment process and selective media isolation. Further all the isolates were used to know the sensitivity/resistant patterns by Bauer-Kirby method and based on resistant pattern MDR isolates were assessed and recorded. Amon 380 well water samples screened for water potability by SPC method, 154 samples were positive. Among 154 SPC positive water samples yielded 106 different isolates of bacteria and it includes five genera, namely Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp. and Enterococcus spp. All the isolated five genus were confirmed by preliminary characters, colony morphology and biochemical tests. Among 106 isolates, 13 isolates of E. coli, 3 isolates of Salmonella spp., 21 isolates of Shigella spp., 9 isolates of Proteus spp., and 4 isolates of Enterococcus spp. were documented as MDR bacterial pathogens. The high prevalence rate of multiple drug resistant bacterial pathogens in the well water samples could potentially pose a threat to people consuming this water. Therefore, the present study suggesting to monitor the quality of water and strict quality control measures should be put in place to ensure the effective treatment of drinking water. Keywords: Water samples, Standard Plate Count, Antibacterial Susceptibility Test and MDR