1.1 Introduction
Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses. Bacteria are common single-celled organisms and are a natural component of lakes, rivers, and streams. Most of these bacteria are harmless to humans; however, certain bacteria, some of which normally inhabit the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, have the potential to cause sickness and disease in humans. High numbers of these harmless bacteria often indicate high numbers of harmful bacteria as well as other disease-causing organisms such as viruses and protozoans (Usgs, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Water is very essential for life. Both humans and animals need water to survive since all cellular activities take place in fluid medium. Blood, which contains 80% water, is vital in transporting oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues as well as being the life support system for the body. Water constituents about seventy five percent 75% in newborns and 50% in mature animals of which 2/3 are found inside the cell, visually clear and colorless drinking water is acceptable, however, it should be safe and free from chemical toxin and pathogenic microorganisms (Maheshwari, 2008; Adzitey et al., 2015a). Humans and animals drink water from a variety of sources including rain water, wells, tap water, sachet water, bottle water, well water, dam water, water from the drinking troughs etc some of which can be contaminated by Escherichia coli, other pathogens and chemical toxins (Maheshwari, 2008; Carnot et al., 2014; Anita et al., 2014; Adzitey et al., 2015a).
Besides water samples, Escherichia coli have been isolated from farm animals, wild animals, pests, humans, vegetables and many more (Shakak and Saeed, 2010; Abulreesh, 2011; Adzitey et al., 2011, 2012a, 2013, 2014, 2015b; Manikandan et al., 2011; Geidam et al., 2012; Kumar et al., 2013; Al-Sultan et al., 2014; Biswas et al., 2014). Escherichia coli have been responsible for a number of foodborne outbreaks, diseases and deaths in some cases (CDC., 2014). Antibiotic resistance is a global problem and new forms of antibiotic resistance can cross international boundaries with ease. The use of antibiotics in agriculture and human treatments will continue to increase especially in regions where people have less knowledge in it negative effects. The use of antibiotic is a main driver of selection pressure that contributes to resistance (Aarestrup et al., 2008; Adzitey et al., 2012b). The causes of antibiotic resistance are complex and include human behaviour at many levels of society; the consequences affect everybody in the world (Laxminarayan et al., 2013).
Work on the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from water sources in Enugu is unavailable. Therefore, this work was carried out to determine the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from some drinking water sources for humans and animals in Enugu Metropolis of Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
- coli in water is a strong indicator of sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage and animal waste can contain many types of disease causing organisms. Consumption may result in severe illness; children under five years of age, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are particularly susceptible (Usgs, 2021).
Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immunological systems (Usgs, 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Antibiotics Susceptibility and Bio-burden of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Water Samples. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To isolate and identify Escherichia coli present in water,
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of the above isolated organisms.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from some drinking water sources for humans and animals in Enugu Metropolis of Nigeria
1.5 Significance of Study
Since water is widely used, this study will help to establish contamination by Escherichia coli, mode of contamination and thus aid in determining their safety for consumption. The result of this study will also help in providing information on these bottled water products by the producers, which will promote healthier handling of the product by the producers, the sellers and the consumers.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Antibiotics Susceptibility and Bioburden of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Water Samples.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
E.coli: Is an acronym for Escherichia coli which is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
Isolates: isolate simply means cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
Phytochemical: This is a substance produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity.
Component: it simply means one part of a whole thing.
Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties.
Effect: a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
