Microbial Evaluation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Isolates of Popular Sachet Water Brands Sold in Anambra State

Aims: To determine the microbiological quality of 5 brands of sachet water popularly consumed in Anambra state.

Study Design: To validate the level of water treatment, and determine the type of bacteria and fungi contaminants, level of contamination and presence of resistant pathogens in the sachet water brands.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected based on the popularity and availability from different cities (Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi) in Anambra state. Analyses of the samples were conducted in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria. Both the sampling and analyses were done between April 2013 and May 2013.

Methodology: 5 sachets of each of the sachet water brands were purchased from strategic locations in Anambra State and they were analysed using Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC), total and fecal coliform count (TCC & FCC) and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Results: All the brands passed the HPC test. Brand 4 failed the TCC & FCC test, as the fecal coliform, E. coli was detected. Aspergillus niger was the most frequently encountered fungi with an occurrence rate of 100%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacteria with an occurrence rate of 60%. 53% of the isolated microorganisms are multi-drug resistant.

Conclusion: Sachet water sold in Anambra state is of commendable microbial quality as four of the five brands passed the TCC & FCC test. However, some organisms isolated are multi-drug resistant and they can transfer their resistance to potentially virulent microbes.