Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Bacterial Isolates from Creek Town River, Cross River State Author:John Owen Date: 10 th , August 2024 Abstract Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, especially in environments where human and environmental health intersect. This study investigates the antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from the Creek Town River in Cross River State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from various points along the river and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing against a panel of commonly used antibiotics, including amoxicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol. The results revealed a diverse range of bacterial species, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prevalent. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed a high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics, particularly among gram-negative bacteria. Resistance rates were highest for amoxicillin and tetracycline, with over 70% of isolates showing resistance. Alarmingly, some isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR), indicating resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with the use of the Creek Town River for domestic and recreational activities. The presence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in the river could have serious implications for public health, as these waterborne pathogens may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance in the community. This study underscores the need for regular monitoring of water bodies for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and calls for urgent public health interventions to address the sources of contamination and reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance in the region. I. Introduction A. Background of Study Antibiotic resistance is a critical public health challenge globally, with significant implications for both human and environmental health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture have accelerated the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Rivers and other natural water bodies are particularly vulnerable to contamination by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as they often