PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF VIRULENT MICROBES IN SACHET WATER: A STUDY FROM RUMUEPIRIKOM

Abstract

This study investigated the bacterial population and virulence attributes of pathogens in commonly consumed sachet water brands in Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, using Aerobic Plate Count and Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques. Fifty samples were analyzed, comprising 10 each of Bread of Life, Preson, Uzodhu, Judose, and Obi Ronix sachet water. All samples contained heterotrophic and coliform bacteria, with Uzodhu and Judose showing the highest coliform counts. While Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae were not detected, five bacterial species—Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae—were isolated. S. aureus exhibited the highest virulence, producing lipase, hemolysin, coagulase, and DNase. P. aeruginosa showed the highest resistance to antibiotics, whereas B. subtilis was the least virulent. Bacterial loads in most sachet water samples exceeded WHO permissible limits, indicating potential public health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for stringent monitoring and sanitary regulation of sachet water production to ensure bacteriological safety and protect public health.