Identification of coccidian isolates pathogenic to humans in sources of potable water in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Water is a necessity of life. However, millions of human die annually as a result of waterborne diseases, with 88% associated with unsafe water supply, poor sanitation, and lack of good hygienic practices. Possible contaminants making drinking water unsafe include microorganisms, chemicals and sewage. Most of the microorganisms that are present in water sources are a result of fecal matter contamination from sewage discharges, runoffs from animal lots as well as seepages from septic tanks. The aim of this study is to detect human-pathogenic coccidians, namely Microsporidia, Cryptosporidia and Cyclospora, in various potable water in Cape Coast Metropolitan District, in Ghana.Methods & Materials: A total of 100 samples from different sources of drinking water were sampled within the Cape Coast Metropolis for the detection of human-pathogenic coccidian taxa, including well water, pipe-borne water, boreholes, streams, underground water and harvested rain water. Each sample was initially stained with modified Zeihl-Neelsen stain and observed microscopically. Total genomic DNA of the various water samples have been extracted using the Ezup Column Blood Genomic DNA Extraction Kit in preparation of PCR-based taxonomic validation.Results: Microscopy analysis revealed that about 60% of the samples collected were contaminated with microorganisms. The breakdown among coccidians was as follows; 23% Microsporidium; 13% Cryptosporidium and 11% Cyclospora oocysts. Other parasites of medical importance included Sarcocystis, present in 3% of the samples.Conclusion: These preliminary data obtained thus far suggest that water consumed by the majority of the Cape Coast population is contaminated with parasites and may be the predominant cause of diarrheal cases in the metropolis as well as of other asymptomatic infections. The study is to be expanded to PCR amplification and sequencing of the 18S rDNA and other loci and phylogenetic analysis.