Abstract

Enterococci abound in faeces, survive long outside the enteric environment and possess unique ability to acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance. Recent studies have identified Enterococci as a relevant indicator of water quality. The current study focused on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant forms of Enterococcus species isolated from Awedele spring water in Ekiti State Nigeria. The bacteriological and physicochemical quality of the water samples was also assessed. The mineral content of the adjacent soil samples was also determined. Antibiotic resistance among isolatedEnterococcus species was highest to penicillin as all isolates demonstrated complete resistance to the antibiotics. Prevalence of gentamycin-resistant enterococci was lowest (48%). Mean total bacterial and enterococcus count ranged from 1.8 x 10⁴ to 8.6 x 10⁴ cfu/ml and 1.5 x 10⁵ to 4.0 x 10⁵ cfu/ml respectively. While calling for an improved data capturing system for drinking water surveillance in developing nations, the study highlights the need for continuous efforts aimed at instigating the required hygiene behavioral change among residents of rural settlements in the developing world.

Key words: Antibiotic resistance, enterococcus species, spring water.