Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Hemolytic Activity in Domestic Water: Evaluating Off-campus Hostel Safety in Choba, Nigeria

Abstract

Domestic water sources in off-campus student hostels around the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, harbor antibiotic-resistant and virulent bacteria with significant public health implications. Our study examined 72 bacterial isolates from six hostels in Choba, Aluu, Alakahia, and Rumuosi. We identified predominant pathogens such as Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. The analysis showed that 43% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with one strain resistant to eight antibiotics. Biofilm formation, a key virulence factor, was confirmed in 30.5% of isolates. Hemolysis assays revealed that 38.8% were β-hemolytic, indicating pathogenic potential. Water quality significantly deteriorated in Aluu and Choba hostels, with heterotrophic counts exceeding 1.8×10⁴ CFU/mL. Notably, 13.8% of isolates combined biofilm production, hemolysis, and multidrug resistance, creating a concerning triad that complicates treatment. These findings highlight urgent gaps in water safety protocols for student populations and support the need for biofilm-targeted disinfection and antimicrobial resistance surveillance to prevent waterborne outbreaks.