ABSTRACT

Gram-negative bacteria are found in virtually all environments on Earth that support life. The gram-negative bacteria include the model organism Escherichia coli, as well as many pathogenic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Yersinia pestis. This study analyzed microbial load of the Gram-negative bacteria from urine contaminated soil around Umudike hostel water soil. A total of 5 samples were collected and analyzed and a total number of 35 gram negative bacteria were isolated from the samples. 35 bacteria were isolated and identified based on their colony biochemical characteristics. The Gram-negative bacteria isolated belong to the family E. coli, Streptococcus species, K/ebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas spp. respectively. From the results the total viable count (TVC) has the highest microbial load after 24hrs and 48hrs of incubation, with the values 0.9 x 10? cfu/ml to 1.47 x 10? cfu/ml. The percentage occurrence of Gram-negative bacteria from urine contaminated soil around Umudike hostel water soil. Escherichia coli had the highest percentage occurrence of 14(36.84%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (26.31%) and Streptococcus spp. (23.68%) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.0%) had the lowest percentage occurrence. Urine contaminated soils may become major factors in the spread of infection especially when adequate sanitary facilities are not available. Microorganisms from public urine contaminated soils have potential to be a source of pathogen dissemination.