Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans isolated from an Outdoor Swimming Pool in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of outdoor swimming-pools during recreational activities and to practice swimming is on the increase, as against the use of natural water bodies due to increase rate of drowning and the possibility, of contaminations of water-borne diseases. In this study, a well-patronised outdoor swimming pool, in a densely populated town, Abraka community, Delta State, Nigeria, was assessed for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans isolates. The susceptibility potentials of these isolates to some antibiotics were investigated with standard techniques. Water samples were taken from four locations and in three phases (Before use, during use and before discharge) in sterilised sample bottles. During the sampling period, water temperature and pH were also monitored. Standard techniques and procedures were adopted for the isolation and identification of the isolates. The two isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans) were present in the sampled water specimen in high frequency. Higher frequencies of the isolates were recorded before changing the water. The pH and water temperature monitored were significantly (p<0.05) different in water samples obtained during water usage and before changing the water with the water before usage. The two isolates were susceptible to Pefloxacin, Rocephin and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics only. Therefore, the occurrence of these isolates in public swimming pool indicated the precarious pool state and a vehicle for the transmission of the isolates. Proper and rotational water hygiene should be practised to curb the presences of the isolates.