ABSTRACT
Background: Documented evidence confirmed that some infectious diseases are transmitted primarily through water contaminated with human and animal faeces. Developing countries suffer from more serious outbreaks of water borne diseases than other parts of the world. Some human pathogens associated with serious risk of diseases when consumed in contaminated water include; Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, pathogenic Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Rota virus, Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis E virus and Entamoeba histolytica among others. Aim: This study was carried out to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in Plateau state, since shortage/absence of potable water, has forced inhabitants to depend on stream, well and tap water as source of drinking water. Methodology: In the present study, ten (10) samples including four (4) streams, three (3) tap and 3 well drinking water samples were analyzed in triplicates for the presence of bacterial indicators of water quality. Bacteriological Analysis was done using; The Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliforms per 100millilitres of the water samples. This was determined by the multiple tube fermentation technique. The presumptive coliform test procedure, Confirmatory Test for Faecal Coliform was also performed. Results: All the water samples from the study area were contaminated, as coliform detected, exceeded the permissible limit recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. Conclusion: The findings therefore shows that all the water sources are not fit for human consumption and are hazardous to health, due to abnormal numbers of coliform count above the standard recommended by WHO. Hence there is a need for strict and routine monitoring of all the water sources in the study area with the view of raising their standards. In addition people should boil their water before consumption especially those using stream as their source of drinking water. Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities’ particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women at all governmental levels. Potable water should be provided for all communities.
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence and associated risk factors, of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among domestic animals. Study Design: Cross sectional epidemiological survey. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in three geographical zones of Plateau State, over a six month period from July to December, 2012. Methodology: A total of 166 animal subjects were recruited into the study. The animals studied were made up of pigs (67), goats (43), sheep (19) and cattle (37). Information was obtained from the animal subject handlers using interviewer administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 statistical software. Results: Results revealed an overall prevalence of 24.1% (p<.001) with IgG and IgM accounting for 16.3% and 7.8% respectively. Goats recorded the highest prevalence with 37.2%, followed by Pigs with 32.8% and Sheep with 10.5%, but it is note-worthy that Cattle recorded 0% overall seropositivity. Statistical significant association was observed with regard to age (p=.04); animals <1 year old accounted for the highest seroprevalence (21.3%) and least among animals ≥2years old (7.7% OR 0.3; 95%CI0.1- 1.1). Seropositivity tends to decreases with increase in age. A similar trend was observed with regard to IgM seropositivity. The significant associated risk factor was; frequency of waste disposal (p<.001) (IgM, OR 39.1; 95% CI 4.9-310.4; IgG, OR 19.9; 95% CI3.9-100.7). Animals that had been vaccinated against other diseases tend to exhibit the least seropositivity compared to animal subjects with no history of any form of vaccination. Conclusion: Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health issue in the study area, and prevalent among domestic animals, warranting further attention and research. Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities’ particularly domestic animals and a periodic monitoring system set up for control.