Antibiotic Resistance pattern/ Multiple drug Resistance Index of Water-borne Bacteria isolated from Underground well Water of some Wards in Gusau Metropolis Zamfara State

Resistance of bacteria to many antibiotics is now a challenge that has become a source of mortality in many countries. Pathogens that are previously susceptible are now becoming resistant and are spreading among water bodies. This study will determine the Antibiotic Resistance pattern and Multiple drug Resistance Index of Water-borne bacteria isolated from Underground well Water of some Wards in Gusau metropolis. Eighteen water samples were collected from 6 locations (three from each) in Gusau. These samples were plated, cultured and emerging strain of bacteria were isolated and characterized using standard biochemical method. 24 bacterial isolates were found and characterized into eight genera. The bacteria with the highest frequency was Pseudomonas spp. (29.2%) followed by Shigella spp.and Alicaligenes with (16.7%) then (12.5%) Citrobacter freudii, Salmonella spp and Proteus mirabilis with (8.3%) followed finally by Serratia and Yersinia (4.2%). Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined using disk-diffusion method. Twelve antibiotics belonging to the class B-lactams were tested. The isolates show 96 % resistance to Cefotaxime, 92% Ampiclox, 87.5% Cefuroxime, 75% Amoxicillin and Imipenem, 50% Nalidixic acid, 33.3% Gentamycin, 8.3% Oflaxacin and 4.2 % Cefexime.  It was observed that the isolates were 100% susceptible to Lovofloxacin, 96% Cefexime, 92% Ofloxacin, 75% Ceftriaxone sulbactarm, 66.7% Gentamycin, 58% Nitrofurantoin, 50% Nalidixic acid, 25% Amoxicillin, 12.5% Cefuroxime, 8.3% Ampiclox, and 4.2% Cefotaxime.   A MAR index > 0.2 was observed for the isolates, indicating frequent antibiotic use in the area.