| Summary: | Aim: To determine the prevalence and possible reservoirs of Campylobacter species in water samples from different sources in Enugu and Nsukka areas of Enugu State, Nigeria.
Methods: Four hundred and eighty (480) samples were obtained from the different water sources, using sterile bacteriological samples bottles following standard protocols. The samples were maintained at between 8 and 15°C and processed within 1 hour of collection. Examination for Campylobacter species was accordingly carried out using a membrane filtration procedure (Celman CN - 6 metrical 47mm/0.45un membrane fitters) using 300ml samples volumes per sources. Butzlers' selective medium was used for isolating and incubation was done by the candle jar method at 42°C. Biochemical characterization of the strains was carried out and species identified by standard micirobiologkal procedures.
Results: 146 (34.2%) samples contained Campylobacter spp. Speciation shows the following prevalent rate of isolates: C: jejuni 97 (59.1%), C. Coli 48(29.3%), C. Lardis 14 (8.5%) and C. Faecalis 5 (3.0%). Stagnant waters were most highly contaminated followed by well waters. Tap water was the least contaminated.
Conclusions: Water is a reservoir for Campylobacter species and the risks inhabitants are exposed to through these waters are highlighted.
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