Abstract

The health of every living thing is directly related to water. However, pathogenic microorganisms are becoming more prevalent in water supplies these days, which is causing a number of health problems for people. This study was conducted to analyze the predominant coliform isolated from tap water and untreated water samples and their susceptibility pattern towards various antibiotics. Coliforms were enumerated by Most Probable Number method and conventional morphological and biochemical test was used for identification and antibiotic susceptibility test was done by modified kirby bauer disc diffusion method. Among total samples, 15 treated tap water samples and 17 untreated, well and bore water samples were collected. Coliform was present in 100% of the 17 untreated water samples. In this study, 9 (60%) of the treated tap water samples exceeded the WHO recommended limit. The total number of coliform in untreated water was found to be in the range of 9- 110 MPN/100ml while 0- 28 MPN/100 ml was found in treated water. Among total samples, 10 (58.8%) Klebsiella spp. and 7 (41.2%) E. coli were identified from untreated water samples (17) whereas total, 4 (44.4%) E. coli and 5(55.5%) Klebsiella spp. was identified from treated water samples (9). Antibiotic susceptibility test of isolates from untreated water showed, 3(42.8%) E. coli isolates were Ceftriaxone resistance and 1 (10%) Klebsiella spp. isolate was resistant to Tetracycline, Meropenem, and Ceftriaxone. From treated water, only 1 (20%) Klebsiella spp. showed resistance to Amikacin. There is no association between antibiotic susceptibility and types of water. Out of 17 isolated bacteria from untreated water sample, total 4 including 3 (17.64%) E. coli and 1 (5.88%) Klebsiella spp. produced Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL). Presence of total coliform and ESBL producing bacteria in water indicates possible health risk to general public, suggesting regular monitoring of water sources for microbial quality.