Antibiotic Resistant Environmental Isolates of Listeria monocytogenes from Anthropogenic Lakes in Lokpa-Ukwu, Abia State of Nigeria

Prevalence rates of Listeria monocytogenes in two anthropogenic lakes in Abia State, Nigeria were determined. Antibiotic resistance patterns of the isolates were studied by paper disk assay. A total of 48 water samples from the two lakes under study were cultured on listeria selective medium after pre-enrichment. Out of 24 water samples from each of the two lakes, 91.67% and 79.17% were positive for Listeria monocytogenes for lake A and B respectively. Drovid was the most effective antibiotics against the pathogen in both lakes while ampiclox and penicillin proved to be least effective with resistance rates of 40.91%; 42.11% and 40.91%; 47.37% for lake A and B respectively. Combined action of antibiotics against the pathogen at invitro level could raise the hope of chemotherapy but multi-drug resistance of the environmental isolates was documented. Governmental intervention is needed for the provision of potable water for people living and surviving partly or wholly through the use of lake water. Experts in environmental health, public health, veterinary medicine, food, microbiology and sociology are needed to intensify aggressive campaign on the dangers of use of lake water in food processing