Identification of Vibrio cholerae from Water and Environmental Samples During a Cholera Outbreak in Jigawa State

Cholera outbreaks recur annually across northern Nigeria, with Jigawa State, North West Nigeria, experiencing multiple outbreaks linked to contaminated water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure. This study identifies Vibrio cholerae from water and environmental samples collected during a cholera outbreak in Jigawa State and characterises the isolates microbiologically. Water samples from community wells, irrigation canals, and household storage containers were collected from four affected local government areas, together with food samples and rectal swabs from consenting outbreak patients. Standard alkaline peptone water enrichment and thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar culture were used for isolation. Biochemical characterisation and slide agglutination with polyvalent O1 antiserum confirmed species and serogroup identity. Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa biotype was isolated from 42 percent of community well samples, 61 percent of irrigation canal samples, and 74 percent of positive patient rectal swabs. Environmental and patient isolates showed identical antibiotic resistance profiles, with resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin but full susceptibility to tetracycline and doxycycline. Cluster analysis linked patient isolates to irrigation canal and well sources. The study supports strengthening outbreak water surveillance, rapid chlorination of community wells during outbreaks, and community hygiene mobilisation in Jigawa State. Keywords: Vibrio cholerae, cholera outbreak, Jigawa State, water contamination, environmental microbiology