Prevalence, characteristics and correlates of enteric pathogenic protozoa in drinking water sources in Molyko and Bomaka, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundAccess to potable water remains a major challenge particularly in resource-limited settings. Although the potential contaminants of water are varied, enteric pathogenic protozoa are known to cause waterborne diseases greatly. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence, characteristics and correlates of enteric pathogenic protozoa in drinking water sources in Buea, Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using 155 water samples collected from various drinking sources (boreholes, springs, taps and wells). Each sample was subjected to physicochemical examinations (pH, turbidity, odour and sliminess) and parasitological analysis (wet mount, modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain) to determine the presence of enteric pathogenic protozoa. A data collection tool was used to note characteristics of collected samples and the data was analysed using EPI-INFO Version 3.5.3.ResultsThe overall prevalence of enteric pathogenic protozoa in water sources was 62.6 %. Eight species of enteric protozoa were observed with Cryptosporidium parvum being the most predominant (45.8 %). Spring water was the most contaminated source with enteric protozoa (85.7 %) while pipe borne water had all eight species of protozoa identified. A pH of 6 was the only significant factor associated with the prevalence of these pathogens in water sources.ConclusionThe prevalence of enteric protozoa in water sources in Molyko and Bomaka is high, spring water is the most contaminated water source and Cryptosporidium parvum is the most common protozoa contaminating water. A water pH of 6 is associated to the prevalence of protozoa. Community members need to be educated to treat water before drinking to avoid infection by enteric protozoa in water and further studies with larger samples of water need to be conducted to find other correlates of the presence of protozoa in water.

The impact of water crises and climate changes on the transmission of protozoan parasites in Africa

“…High frequency was reported in summer and spring, while high intensity with viability of the dormant transmissive stages was documented in summer [9]. Other authors documented different seasons: summer and autumn [44], or winter [118,119]. Such variation proves that the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia protozoa tends to have a multi-modal pattern in Africa.…”

“…were the highest predominant protozoa in the diarrhea samples from adults [41] and one of the most identified parasites in children under five years [42]. In Cameroon, Egypt and Sudan, Entamoeba spp., were detected in drinking water [42][43][44]. Direct wet mount/iodine is a simple, cost effective popular method used in African reports to identify cysts of Entamoeba spp.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Adult Malaria Patients Co-Infected with Opportunistic Intestinal Coccidian Parasites in Fundong Health District, Northwest, Cameroon: A Cross Section Study Design

“…A vast majority of the population are poor, creating a favourable condition for intestinal diseases to thrive (World Bank, 2019). The prevailing poor hygiene and sanitation, as well as the low socio-economic status of the inhabitants, that exist in the region and Cameroon as whole, exposes the population to the risk of water borne infections and opportunistic parasitic diseases in particular (Nsoh et al, 2016).…”

Cyst detection and viability assessment of Balantioides coli in environmental samples: Current status and future needs

“…Observation in unstained wet mounts. 4.16% Nsoh et al (2016) Cameroon taps, wells, boreholes and springs Not given Sample centrifugation at 2000 rpm, 5 min. Sediment observation in unstained/iodine-stained wet mounts.…”