ABSTRACT
The aim was to investigate the bacteriological quality of drinking water, and explore the factors involved in the knowledge of the public about the quality of drinking water in Najran region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 160 water samples were collected. Total coliforms, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci were counted using Most Probable Number method. The bacterial genes lacZ and uidA specific to total coliforms and Escherichia coli, respectively, were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. An interview was conducted with 1200 residents using a questionnaire. Total coliforms were detected in 8 [20%] of 40 samples from wells, 13 [32.5%] of 40 samples from tankers, and 55 [68.8%] of 80 samples from roof tanks. Twenty [25%] and 8 [10%] samples from roof tanks were positive for E. coli and Streptococcus faecalis, respectively. Of the 1200 residents participating in the study, 10%, 45.5%, and 44.5% claimed that they depended on municipal water, bottled water, and well water, respectively. The majority [95.5%] reported the use of roof water tanks as a source of water supply in their homes. Most people [80%] believed that drinking water transmitted diseases. However, only 25% of them participated in educational programs on the effect of polluted water on health. Our results could help health authorities consider a proper regular monitoring program and a sustainable continuous assessment of the quality of well water. In addition, this study highlights the importance of the awareness and educational programs for residents on the effect of polluted water on public health
Subject(s)
Water Quality , Public Health , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Enterobacteriaceae , Streptococcus , Escherichia coli , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
To investigate 15 respiratory viruses in children with acute respiratory tract infections [ARTIs] using multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR], and to analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of these viruses. In a cross-sectional study, 135 children, = 5 years of age who presented with ARTIs in Najran Maternity and Children Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia between October 2012 and July 2013 were included. The clinical and sociodemographic data, and the laboratory results were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each child: one for bacteriological examination, and the second for viral detection using multiplex RT-PCR. A single viral pathogen was detected in 76 patients, viral coinfections in 9, and mixed viral and bacterial pathogens in 15. Respiratory syncytial virus was isolated in 33 patients, human rhinovirus [hRV] in 22, adenovirus [AdV] in 19, human metapneumovirus in 13, influenza virus in 10, parainfluenza virus in 7, human corona virus [hCoV] in 4, and human bocavirus in one. Respiratory syncytial virus, hRV, and AdV were the most frequent viruses, accounting for more than two-thirds of the cases. Other viruses, such as MPV, hCoV NL63, and hCoV OC43, may play a role in pediatric ARTIs. Of significance is the potential use of multiplex RT-PCR to provide epidemiological and virological data for early detection of the emergence of novel respiratory viruses in the era of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus