title: A survey for Yersinia enterocolitica in water from ponds, streams and wells in Northern Nigeria.
abstract: Water samples obtained from 250 wells, 118 ponds and 34 streams around Zaria, Nigeria were cultured for Yersinia enterocolitica. All samples tested were negative for the microorganism. Water samples from the three sources experimentally inoculated with three strains of Yersinia enterocolitica allowed an initial multiplication followed by a progressive decline in population with increase in population paralleling increase in ambient temperature. Well water was most supportive of the organism but strain variability in survival was observed in water from the three sources. Stream, pond and well water may not be important in the epidemiology of Y. enterocolitica infections in animals and human beings in Northern Nigeria.
mesh_terms: D005618:Fresh Water; D009549:Nigeria; D013045:Species Specificity; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014881:Water Supply; D015008:Yersinia enterocolitica / Q000302:isolation & purification*