Culture-Based Analysis, Phenotypic Virulence Screening and 16S rRNA -Based Bacterial Community Profiling of Human-Impacted Rural Streams in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.83080/rejost.vol6no7.324Keywords:
Corchorus olitorius, potassium bromate, antioxidant enzymes, fertilizer regimeAbstract
Human impacts on water sources are of concerns due to the associated public health risks. A study on two human-impacted rural streams was conducted, particularly investigating the bacterial community profile of the streams by both culture-based and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing as well as the pathogenic potential of the bacterial isolates via phenotypic detection of virulence traits. The streams were Odiong stream in Abak LGA and Akpan Akpa Itoko stream in Oruk Anam LGA, both in Akwa Ibom State. The water samples were analyzed using culture-based methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The phenotypic activity of the culture isolates was determined using enzyme activity assay. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts of 5.91 ± 0.08 log10 cfu/mL from Odiong stream and 5.83 ± 0.01 log10 cfu/mL from Akpan Akpa Itoko stream were obtained followed by mean coliform counts of 2.37 ± 0.58 log10 MPN/100 mL and 2.67 ± 0.31 log10 MPN/100 mL, respectively from both streams. The bacterial counts of Odiong stream was significantly higher (p<0.05) than Akpan Akpa Itoko stream. The bacterial counts in both streams exceeded the guideline limits for heterotrophic plate counts in potable water. Different bacterial species were isolated from each stream except Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. that were found across both streams. Proteus sp, Enterobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp., Actinomyces sp., Micrococcus sp., Vibrio sp., Streptococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. across the streams tested positive for all three virulence-associated trait assessed. 16S rRNA–based profiling revealed substantial differences in both the number and composition of bacterial taxa between the two streams. The phylum Pseudomonadota (formerly Proteobacteria) was the most abundant in both streams. Odiong stream was dominated by Fluviibacter (12.85%) and the species F. phosphoraccumulans (18.39%), while Akpan Akpa Itoko stream was dominated by Comamonas (35.40%) and the species Comamonas testosteroni (19.73%). Most isolates from the culture method such as Proteus sp., Escherichi coli, Actinomyces sp., and Vibrio sp. were absent from the 30 most abundant species by the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Both methods detected largely different sets of organisms. The presence of coliforms in this study suggests poor sanitary condition of the streams. The presence of virulent traits in these bacterial isolates suggests potential health risks. The study shows that relying solely on culture-based methods can lead to incomplete conclusions. Integrating phenotypic screening for virulence-associated traits provides a broader understanding of the microbial functional potential. Findings from this study therefore call for routine monitoring of these rural water sources and environmental sanitation measures to reduce contamination and safeguard public health.
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