Presence of Strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Detected in Drinking Water in Lalo, Benin: Assessment of Their Sensitivity to Commonly-Used Antibiotics

In Benin, the coverage rate of improved water sources is high. But the majority of the population does not have a drinking water source at home. In the absence of a home piping system, population develop strategies to have drinking water available at home. So, water is drawn from the source, transported and stored. This strategy is not without consequences because it favors microbiological contamination of the water. Unfortunately, bacteria that indicate fecal contamination are often resistant to the majority of antibiotics. Regarding drinking water, fecal contamination indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli and enterococci are now resistant to antibiotics; thus, several infections can no longer be effectively treated. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of commonly-used antibiotics on the germs responsible for the microbiological contamination of drinking water in the district of Ahomadégbé, in the municipality of Lalo, Benin.

Thirty-five (35) drinking water samples were obtained, and antibiotic efficacy was tested on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from these samples. Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Gentamicin, Imipenem, and Pristinamycin exhibited full sensitivity in Escherichia coli strains. Isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains, on the other hand, were resistant to Cephalosporins, Cyclins, and Macrolides but sensitive to Pristinamycin (Streptogramins). Strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are resistant to most common antibiotics. To mitigate the risk of infection of populations and limit the progression of resistance of microbial to antibiotics that can still act on these strains, it is urgent to make people aware of good hygiene practices, which are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.