scholarly journals Public Health Implication of Drinking Water Sources Contaminated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium in South Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengistu Damitie ◽  
Dante Santiago ◽  
Luc Leyns ◽  
Seid Tiku Mereta ◽  
Zeleke Mekonnen

Abstract Background: The concept of health is largely tied up with the quality of the ambient environment of human. There is a need to minimize the risks of environment to public health and comply with microbial contamination legislation stipulated by respective regulatory bodies. Though water borne protozoa are leading causes of diseases in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, less information is available about drinking water quality and its implication to the public. The present study aimed at characterizing the risks of Giardia and Cryptosporidium from water sources in southern Ethiopia.Methods: Twenty-one drinking water samples (10L per source) were collected from five different types of water sources. Sample analysis was performed using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with fluorescein isothiocyanate–monoclonal antibodies and nested PCR with tpi, SSU-rRNA and gp60 loci of the parasites. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho correlation and independent-samples nonparametric test.The risk was characterized using quantitative microbial risk assessment. Results: The IFA and genotyping assays overall showed that Giardia was detected in 81% (17/21) of the samples with a mean concentration of 64.6 cysts.10 L-1 and Cryptosporidium in 71% (15/21) with a mean concentration of 62.8 oocysts.10 L-1. Out of the 17 Giardia positive water sources, Giardia duodenalis (assemblage B) was detected in 29.4%, assemblage A in 17.6% and assemblages A+B in 52.9% of the sources. Likewise, Cryptosporidium genotype was detected in 57.1% (12/21) of the sources; C. parvum in 38.1% (8/21) and C. hominis in 14.3% (3/21) of the sources. The average probability of illness from the water sources was 0.06 for Giardia and 0.22 for Cryptosporidium.Conclusions: The present finding highlights the significance of water for transmission of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in southern Ethiopia. Genotypes detected in the water sources indicate that multiple sources likely contaminated the drinking water sources. The health risks that are inferred from the water sources to the public are significantly higher than most other reported findings. This study recommends the need of regular follow-up, improvement in water treatment facilities and setting appropriate legislation in areas where cycles of parasitic infection is linked to water sources.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengistu Damitie ◽  
Dante Santiago ◽  
Luc Leyns ◽  
Seid Tiku Mereta ◽  
Zeleke Mekonnen

Abstract Background: Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are topmost causes of gastrointestinal diseases mainly in socio-economically disadvantaged regions. Understanding the molecular diversity and distribution of these parasites in water sources and the environmental variables that influence their prevalence is important to effectively control infections in at-risk populations, however, the state of knowledge about risks of these parasites associated with source water is little in Africa. This study aimed at characterizing risks of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. from water sources in southern Ethiopia.Methods: Twenty-one water samples (10L per source) were collected from five different types of drinking water sources. Sample was analyzed using immunofluorescence assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate–monoclonal antibodies and nested PCR; tpi-PCR was used for genotyping purpose in Giardia duodenalis isolates and SSU-rRNA and gp60-PCR in Cryptosporidium spp. isolates. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho correlation and independent-samples nonparametric test.The risk was characterized using quantitative microbial risk assessment.Results: The immunofluorescence assay showed that cyst was detected in 81% (17/21) and oocyst in 71% (15/21) of the samples with mean concentrations of 64.6 cysts.10 L-1 and 62.8 oocysts.10 L-1. Genotypic analysis showed that Giardia duodenalis assemblage B was genotyped in 29.4% (5/17), assemblage A in 17.6% (3/17) and assemblages A+B in 52.9% (9/17) of the samples. Cryptosporidium spp. genotype was detected in 57.1% (12/21) of the samples; Cryptosporidium parvum in 38.1% (8/21), Cryptosporidium hominis in 14.3% (3/21) and Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in 4.7% (1/21) of the samples. The average probability of illness from the water sources was 0.06 for Giardia duodenalis and 0.22 for Cryptosporidium spp.Conclusions: The finding highlights the significance of water for transmission of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in southern Ethiopia. Genotypes detected in the samples indicate multiple sources likely contaminated the sources. Health risk that is inferred from the water sources to the public are significantly higher than most other reported findings. This study recommends the need of regular follow-up, improvement in water treatment facilities and setting appropriate legislation in areas where cycles of parasitic infection is linked to water sources.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-229
Author(s):  
Sisay Derso Mengesha ◽  
Abel Weldetinsae ◽  
Kirubel Tesfaye ◽  
Girum Taye

Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of drinking water sources in Ethiopia and compare the water quality with the health-based target. For this purpose, the water quality database of Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from 2010 to 2016 was used. Methods: The concentration and other properties of the water samples were analyzed according to the Standard Methods of Water and Wastewater analysis. Quality control and quality assurance were applied in all stages following our laboratory standard operation procedures (SOPs). Results: The concentration of the selected parameters varied based on the type of water sources. The mean concentration of turbidity was higher in spring water (21.3 NTU) compared to tap (12.6 NTU) and well (3.9 NTU) water sources. The mean concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), and sulfate (SO4 -2) was found to be higher in spring water sources than tap and well water sources. Comparably, the concentration of hardness, calcium, and magnesium was found to be higher in well water sources than spring and tap water sources. The bivariate analysis indicated that out of 845 analyzed water samples, more than 50% of the samples from Oromia region had turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, Ca++, K+, and Na+ within an acceptable limit. In addition, the logistic regression analysis showed that water quality parameters were strongly associated with the type of water sources and regional administration at P<0.05. Conclusion: More than 80% of the samples analyzed from drinking water sources were in agreement with WHO guidelines and national standards. However, the remaining 20% specifically, pH (25%), calcium (20%), hardness (18.1%), TDS (15.5%), and turbidity (13.3%) analyzed from improved water sources did not comply with these recommendations. Due to objectionable or unpleasant taste, people may force to look for alternative unprotected water sources that lead to health concerns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dechasa Adare Mengistu

Abstract Background Besides their benefits, heavy metals are toxic, persistent, and hazardous to human health, even at their lower concentrations. Consumption of unsafe concentrations of food contaminated with heavy metals may lead to the disruption of numerous biological and biochemical processes in the human body. In developing country including Ethiopia, where untreated or partially treated wastewater is used for agricultural purposes, the problems related to the consumption foods contaminated with heavy metals may poses highest risk to human health. Therefore, this review was aimed to determine the public health implications of heavy metals in foods and drinking water in Ethiopia. Methods The articles published from 2016 to 2020 were identified through systematic searches of electronic databases that include MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAH, Google Scholar, WHO, and FAO Libraries. The data was extracted using a predetermined data extraction form using Microsoft Excel, 2016. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018 and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the studies. Finally, the results were evaluated based on the FAO/WHO guidelines for foods and drinking water. Results A total of 1019 articles published from 2016 to 2020 were searched from various electronic databases and by manual searching on Google. Following the initial screening, 317 articles were retrieved for evaluation and 49 articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 21 studies were included in the systematic review. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn in fruits and vegetables ranged from 2.068–4.29, 0.86–1.37, 1.90–4.70, 1.01–3.56, 3.43–4.23, 19.18–98.15, 4.39–9.42, 1.037–5.27, 0.19–1.0, 199.5–370.4, 0.26–869 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Zn, and Fe in meat and milk ranged from 1.032–2.72, 0.233–0.72, 1.32–3.15, 0.79–2.96, 78.37–467.7, and 505.61–3549.9 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in drinking water ranged 0.0089–0.054, 0.02–0.0237, 0.005–0.369, 0.625–2.137, and 0.176–1.176 ml/L, respectively. The mean concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, and Mn in other edible cereals ranged from 0.973–2.165, 0.424–0.55, 0.65–1.70, 70.51–81.58, 14.123–15.98, 1.89–13.8, 1.06–1.59, 67.866–110.3, and 13.686–15.4 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion This systematic review identified heavy metals in foods and drinking water and determined their public health implications. The results of this finding imply that the majority of the studies reported high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in foods and drinking water that are hazardous to human health. Therefore, effective food safety and risk-based food quality assessment are essential to protect the public health.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarun Anumol ◽  
Shimin Wu ◽  
Mauricius Marques dos Santos ◽  
Kevin D. Daniels ◽  
Shane A. Snyder

Trace organic compounds (TOrCs) have been detected in drinking water sources for several years, raising concerns due to their potential risks to public health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Blessing U. Ejike ◽  
Carmelita C. Ohaeri ◽  
Ebube C. Amaechi

Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital.


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