ABSTRACT
Aims@#The proximity of waste collection bins to academic and residential structures in the University of Calabar campus is disturbing. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antibiotic resistance patterns of selected bacterial generafrom waste collection sites in the Calabar campus.@*Methodology and results@#Stormwater, soil and air samples were collected. There were two samples each of stormwater and soil, while five samples of air were collected per sampling point. Total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) were cultivated using the spread plate method and the isolates were purified using the streaking method on nutrient agar. Antibiotic resistance studies were conducted using the Kirby-Baur method. Pooled results were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The result of THB obtained revealed that the female hostel area recorded the highest count of 1.53 ± 1.1 × 106 cfu/mL and 2.95 ± 1.0 × 106 cfu/mL in stormwater upstream and downstream of the waste collection point, respectively. All sample points had significantly higher (p<0.5) THB than the control. The highest soil THB count was 2.08 ± 2.0 ×106 cfu/g at staff quarters. The isolates were characterised using their Gram reaction and biochemical tests to be species of Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Proteus. Erythromycin recorded 60% resistance among Grampositive isolates. Bacillus sp. was resistant to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, amoxil and chloramphenico@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Some bacteria isolated displayed resistance to multiple antibiotics. This trend has the potential of inducing antibiotic resistance in the associated human population. This study is significant in guiding the positioning of waste collection points in developing countries and protecting waste handlers.