Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Detection of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio cholerae in Refilled Drinking Water in Malang City, Indonesia

Waterborne diseases are a significant public health issue, especially in urban areas with inadequate sanitation. Without proper treatment, water can serve as a transmission medium for various diseases, including diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, polio, and others. In Indonesia, high environmental pollution has contributed to the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, which are likely transmitted through contaminated water. Refilled drinking water is widely consumed due to its affordability, but its microbiological safety remains questionable. This study aimed to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio cholerae in refilled drinking water in Malang City, Indonesia, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. A total of 20 water samples were collected from five districts: Kedungkandang, Sukun, Klojen, Blimbing, and Lowokwaru. PCR was performed to amplify the invA gene (211 bp) for Salmonella spp. and the ompW gene (588 bp) for Vibrio cholerae. The results showed that 100% of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp., and 5% contained Vibrio cholerae. Therefore, strict supervision of refilled drinking water is required to prevent potential health risks. Further quantitative and culture-based studies with larger sample sizes are required to better assess contamination levels and associated public health risks.