Antimicrobial Resistance and Characterization of Enteric Bacteria in Drinking Water and associated risk factors - A Lab based study in Quetta District
Author(s) : Asma Yousafzai, Sahrish Mariam, Mir Abdul Qadir, Zia ud Din, Muhammad Nasim Ullah, Abdul Haq, Muhammad Sadiq, Shehzad Ahmed, Amjad Ali & Shaistan Mitha Khan
Abstract:
DOI:https://doi.org/10.52587/njmhs.v5i2.71Objective:
The present study investigated the antibiotic resistance patterns and characteristics of enteric bacteria found in drinking water of Quetta district, Pakistan.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Quetta District, located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. A total of 150 water samples were collected from wells, taps and bottled water. water samples were processed for bacterial isolation and identification. Chi-square tests were employed to identify significant associations between bacterial contamination, resistance patterns, and potential risk factors.
Results:
A total of 150 water samples were collected from wells, taps and bottled water. Of these, 52% (78/150) were positive for pathogens. The main organisms identified were Escherichia coli (57.7%) and Salmonella spp. (19.2%), Shigella spp. (12.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed high resistance to amoxicillin (93% for E. coli, 87% for Salmonella, 90% for Shigella, and 88% for K. pneumoniae). Resistance to ciprofloxacin is rare, with a resistance rate of 22% in E. coli. E. coli, Salmonella 13%, Shigella 10%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 13%. The main factors associated with infectious diseases include groundwater (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.1-13.9, p<0.001), lack of purified water (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.3- 10.0, p<0.001), poor sanitation practices (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-6.8, p = 0.003) and Inadequate Water Storage Conditions (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1, 2-5.9, p = 0.018).
Conclusion:
Over half of the water samples were polluted and contaminated, The source of water from the wells being the most affected. Among all bacterial species, E. coli was the most prevalent species identified. High resistance rates to amoxicillin were observed, with ciprofloxacin showing lower resistance rates. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved water quality and targeted public health interventions to combat drug resistance.
Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance, Drinking Water, Enteric Bacteria, risk factors, Public Health