Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella and Shigella in Diarrheal cases Resulting from a Common Source Consumption of Contaminated Water

Study’s Novelty/ Excerpt This study evaluated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella and Shigella in diarrheal cases related to contaminated water consumption in Jimeta-Yola metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Among 78 stool samples, 47.4% showed growth of Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Shigella species, with Shigella being the most prevalent. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to Ampicillin, Cephalexin, and Co-trimoxazole across all isolates, while Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin emerged as the most effective antibiotics, underscoring the necessity for safe water practices, improved hygiene, and regular monitoring to mitigate these infections. Full Abstract Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and Shigella remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella and Shigella strains in diarrheal cases linked to the consumption of contaminated water from a shared source in Jimeta-Yola metropolis, Adamawa State. A total of 78 stool samples were obtained for culture using standard methods, with 37 (47.4%) displaying growth of Salmonella and Shigella strains. Through appropriate biochemical tests, the isolates were identified as Salmonella Typhi (35.1%), Salmonella Typhimurium (8.1%), and Shigella species (56.8%), with Shigella exhibiting the highest occurrence. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using ten selected antibiotics: Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole, Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoin, Ofloxacin, and Tetracycline. Salmonella Typhi isolates showed 76.9% susceptibility to Gentamicin and Ceftriaxone, 61.5% susceptibility to Ofloxacin, 53.8% susceptibility to Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, 38.5% susceptibility to Tetracycline, 30.8% susceptibility to Co-trimoxazole, and 23.1% susceptibility to Cephalexin. Shigella species exhibited 95.2% susceptibility to Ofloxacin, 90.5% susceptibility to Gentamicin, 85.7% susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, 66.7% susceptibility to Ceftriaxone, 57.1% susceptibility to Chloramphenicol, 52.4% susceptibility to Nitrofurantoin, 33.3% susceptibility to Tetracycline, 28.6% susceptibility to Co-trimoxazole, 19% susceptibility to Cephalexin, and 4.8% susceptibility to Ampicillin. Meanwhile, Salmonella Typhimurium displayed 66.7% susceptibility to Ofloxacin, 100% susceptibility to Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, and 33.3% susceptibility to Ampicillin, Cephalexin, Tetracycline, Co-trimoxazole, and Ceftriaxone. The study highlights the persistent high prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella infections and the emergence of complete resistance to Ampicillin, Cephalexin, and Co-trimoxazole. However, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin are identified as effective treatment options for infections caused by these pathogens. Therefore, ensuring the availability of safe water sources, promoting hygienic practices, treating drinking water at the point of use (POU) such as boiling, and continuous monitoring are crucial in controlling the dissemination of these organisms