Molecular Identification and Antibiogram of Vibrio Cholerae from Some Sources of Water in Tudun Wada and Malali Areas of Kaduna State

Abstract

Abstract
Vibrio cholerae, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of V. cholerae from water sources in Tudun Wada and Malali areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 18 water samples were collected from wells, taps, and rivers, with physicochemical analysis revealing pH values ranging from 5.8 to 7.4, indicating potential contamination, particularly in river sources. Presumptive V. cholerae isolates were identified using Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salt (TCBS) agar and biochemical tests, followed by molecular confirmation via PCR targeting the ompW gene. Only one isolate from tap water in Tudun Wada was confirmed as V. cholerae, highlighting discrepancies between biochemical and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, with high resistance to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, while ciprofloxacin remained effective. The Multi-Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) indicated high-risk contamination in some isolates (MARI ≥ 0.2). These findings underscore the presence of V. cholerae in local water sources and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for improved water quality monitoring, sanitation infrastructure, and updated treatment protocols to mitigate public health risks.