Molecular Characterization and Identification of Serratia sp. in Drinking Water Samples in Shatrah District

Serratia species are found in different environments, including water, plants, and animals. This study aims to isolate, molecular characterization, and phenotypically investigation of Serratia sp., and identify the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated species to eight antibiotic discs as well. A total of twenty water samples were collected from different regions of Shatrah district in a sterile manner using properly labelled and sterile containers. These samples were then passed through a membrane filter. The colonies were then inoculated on culture media, Gram stain, IMVIC tests, Lysine decarboxylase, catalase, Ornithine decarboxylase tests were done, and the colonies were molecularly characterised by using PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing methods. Eventually, the isolates were tested against eight antibiotics. The results found that all Serratia sp. were negative for the Oxidase Test, Indole Production, Methyl Red (MR), and Voges-Proskauer (VP). In the other flip side, all tested isolates showed positive results for Citrate Utilization, Lysine Decarboxylase, Catalase, and Ornithine Decarboxylase. The results found that 15 isolates were isolated and classified as Serratia sp. Also, the antibiotic susceptibility of Serratia showed that all tested isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. The results found that all tested pathogenic isolates were affected by the bacteriocin extracted from Serratia sp. The drinking water must be free of any microbes as it serves as the primary reservoir for various infectious pathogens.