ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ENTEROBACTERIOCEAE IN 3 RIVERS (EFOSA, OKHORO AND IKPOBA RIVER) IN BENEIN CITY.

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species belong to a heterogenous family of microorganisms known as Enterobactericae, which consists of about 30 genera and 150 species. Escherichia coli species are one of the most abundant microorganisms known to frequently cause bacterial infections. Some Escherichia coli clones have acquired specific virulence characteristics which enable them to cause various forms of infections and diseases such as meningitis, septicemia, diarrheal disease as well as urinary tract infections in all categories of humans. Klebsiella species typically cause opportunistic infections in soft tissues, wounds, urinary tract and blood stream. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species are sources of community and hospital acquired infections in humans and therefore pose challenges to public health. This study was carried out to quantify, characterize and identify bacterial species under the family Enterobactericae present in 3 rivers (Efosa, Okhoro and Ikpoba rivers) in Benin. The water samples collected from these rivers was taken to the laboratory for analysis and to identify the various bacterial isolates present in the rivers. Various bacterial organisms under the Enterobactericae family can cause various infections and diseases if they penetrate into the human system.