Author(s)

Okwelle A A^*, Amadi-Ikpa, C N, Eleki, E.

Affiliation(s)

Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author

Okwelle A A

ABSTRACT

With the recent cases of cholera been reported in some parts of northern Nigeria. The spread of its causative agent, Vibrio cholerae towards the south have become a thing of concern. River tributaries through underground water wells are believed to carry pathogens and following this circumstance, the study seeked to determine the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae in well water of the Kingdom. A total of 60 water samples comprised of 20 each of Opu Imo, Angular Polo and Osia Polo wells were collected and coded; Well water A, B and C respectively for the purpose of the study. On transfer to the laboratory for microbiological analysis, result showed a mean Vibrio spp. count of 0×105, 0×105 and 9.2×107 CFU/ml for well A, B and C respectively. Morphological characteristics of isolates recovered showed the Vibrio spp. colonies appeared with a yellow color and a distinctive comma shaped, curved, rod-like structure. Biochemical classification of the isolates showed a positive catalase, oxidase, indole, methyl red, citrate, glucose, and sucrose tests while Voges Proskaurer and Lactose showed a negative reaction. Frequency of Vibrio cholerae prevalence across the water wells showed a high in Well C with a percentage prevalence of 100%. Well A and B had no Vibrio cholerae prevalence. Thus, the study noted the prevalence and incidence of Vibrio cholerae in well water C only which indicated a likelihood for cholera outbreak. Hence, inhabitants of Bille Kingdom may be predisposed to infectious doses of Vibrio cholerae when well water C is consumed. Therefore, well water C should be discontinued for drinking purposes.

KEYWORDS

Bille Kingdom; Prevalence; Vibrio cholerae; Well water

CITE THIS PAPER

Okwelle A A, Amadi-Ikpa, C N, Eleki, E. The prevalence and incidence of vibrio cholerae in the well water of Bille Kingdom, Rivers State. Journal of Biotechnology and Food Science. 2025, 2(1): 22-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jbfs3004.

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