Microbial Isolates in Augmented Water Receptacles and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana

Abstract

We set out to isolate microbes in augmented water receptacles and establish their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st March to 31st May 2018. Samples were taken from the inner wall of each augmented water receptacle, transported immediately to the Microbiology Laboratory in a sterile tube containing 2-3ml of sterile physiological saline to prevent drying. Culture, isolation, identification of potential microorganisms and their susceptibility to the commonly used antibiotics in the hospital were done. Thirty-five (35) augmented water receptacles from 17 sites within the hospital were studied. All the containers were filled with tap water without further treatment after storage. The cleaning schedules of the receptacles varied among wards, with 7 (41.2%) being cleaned with detergents weekly, 3 (17.6%) twice weekly and 7 (41.2%) monthly. Escheriachia coli 13 (24.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 13 (24.1%), Staphylococcus aureus 8 (14.8%), Klebsiella species 7 (12.9%), Citrobacter species 6 (11.1%), and Legionella species 5 (9.3%) were isolated. These isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance. Augmented water receptacles were found to be a reservoir for pathogenic microbes. These microorganisms are a potential source of water borne disease outbreaks.