Is dialysis water a safe component for hemodialysis treatment in São Paulo State, Brazil?

Failure on the water treatment poses hemodialysis patients at risk of injury and death. Identifying if the patients are exposed to water quality related microbiological risks is an important objective to reduce the mortality for chronic renal patients and is the main issue of this study. We evaluated the microbiological water quality used by 205 dialysis services in São Paulo State, Brazil between 2010 to 2016. The study included heterotrophic bacteria count, total coliforms research, and bacterial endotoxin determination in 1366 dialysis water samples. The number of unsatisfactory clinics for at least one microbiological parameter decreased 16.0% between 2010 to 2015 but increased 57.2% in 2016. In 2010, the most frequent unsatisfactory parameter was related to heterotrophic bacteria count (54.8%) followed by endotoxin determination (45.2%). However, in 2013 an opposite situation was observed: endotoxin determination as the parameter of the higher incidence of nonconformities. Total coliform was verified at a lower frequency. We highlighted the importance of regular monitoring of dialysis water quality to prevent infections caused by dialytic procedures and to ensure that the water is a safe component of the treatment.

Bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in rural communities of Dire Dawa administrative council

In Ethiopia, access to improved water supply and sanitation was estimated at 38% and 12% respectively. Three- forth of the health problems of children in Ethiopia are communicable diseases due to polluted water and improper water handling practices. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality of drinking water sources in rural communities of Dire Dawa Administrative Council (Adada Peasant Association). A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2011 to May 2011. Microbiological water quality parameters were analyzed using the membrane filtration method. Water analysis demonstrated that all water sources in the study area were contaminated with total coliforms and fecal coliform. The fact that, about 83.34% of the water sample was positive for indicator bacteria shown that the three selected Peasant Associations had risk of contamination. High concentration of microbiological indicators in all water sources of this study area have demonstrated the presence of pathogenic organisms which constitute a threat to anyone consuming or in contact with these waters. The majority of the drinking water sources is either of unacceptable quality or grossly polluted. Regular quality control mechanisms need to be in place to ensure safety of drinking water.

Calidad microbiológica del agua de unidades odontológicas de una clínica universitaria de Bogotá / Microbiological quality of water in dental units of a university clinic in Bogotá

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la calidad microbiológica del agua destinada al uso en unidades odontológicas de una clínica universitaria de Bogotá, mediante el recuento de E. coli, Coliformes Totales, Enterococcus y Pseudomonas, con el fin de mejorar la calidad del agua, optimizar la prestación del servicio y proporcionar una mayor seguridad y confiabilidad a los pacientes y odontólogos. En este trabajo se determina que el agua destinada al uso de las unidades odontológicas no cumple, en lo referente a las características microbiológicas, con lo establecido por la Resolución 2115 del 2007, y la Norma Técnica Colombiana 813 (NTC 813) porque excede los límites aceptables para coliformes totales y Enterococcus, además presenta un importante recuento de Pseudomonas, las cuales al considerar factores como el estado inmunológico del paciente pueden llegar a causar enfermedad.

This study aims to evaluate the microbiological quality of water intended for use in dental units of a university clinic of Bogotá, using the E. coli count, total coliforms, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, in order to improve the quality of the water, optimize service quality, and provide greater safety and reliability to the patients and dentists. In this work, it was determined that the water intended for the use of the dental units does not meet, in regard to the microbiological characteristics, with the provisions of Resolution 2115 of 2007, and the Colombian Technical Standard 813 (NTC 813) because it exceeds the acceptable limits for total coliforms and Enterococcus, it also presents an important count of Pseudomonas which can lead to disease when considering factors such as the immune status of the patient.

Calidad microbiológica del agua de un área agrícola-ganadera del centro sur de Chile y su posible implicancia en la salud humana / Microbiological quality of water in livestock area of southern Chile and its possible implications on human health

Introduction: A significant proportion of water for human consumption has an underground origin becoming 80% in Chilean rural areas where profound wells represent the only search of water for human and animal beverage. Aim: To study the microbiological quality of water from agricultural land for livestock production in the province of Valdivia (40°S), Chile and its potential impact on human health. Material and Method: Water samples were collected monthly (2008 - 2009), at the entrance and exit of a water stream running through the field and in well water used for human and animal consumption. The total coliform (Tc) and Escherichia coli were determined by the confirmatory method Quanti-Tray together with other physicochemical assessments in the water and climatic variables. Results: In samples from the stream water and wells, the Most Probable Number of Tc and E. coli exceeded the standard Chilean Norm of Water Quality (NCh 409/1) for human consumption. Conclusion: These results show the need to regulate the environmental impact of farming and cattle production and to monitor the drinking water to meet the minimum standards of health protection.

Introducción: Parte importante del agua para consumo humano corresponde a agua subterránea, alcanzando un 80% en áreas rurales de Chile, donde los pozos profundos son la única fuente de agua de bebida para consumo humano y animal. Objetivo: Estudiar la calidad microbiológica del agua de un predio agrícola-ganadero en la provincia de Valdivia (40° S), Chile, y su posible impacto en la salud humana. Material y Método: Muestras de agua fueron recolectadas mensualmente (2008-2009), a la entrada y salida de un estero que atraviesa el predio y en agua de pozos usadas para consumo humano y animal. Las especies coliformes totales (Ct) y Escherichia coli se determinaron por el método confirmativo Quanti-Tray, se evaluaron variables físico-químicas del agua y climáticas del sitio. Resultados: En las muestras de agua del estero y pozos el número más probable de Ct y E. coli sobrepasaron la norma chilena de calidad del agua (NCh 409/1) para consumo humano. Conclusión: Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de regular el impacto ambiental de la actividad agrícola-ganadera y monitorear el agua de bebida para cumplir con los estándares mínimos de protección de la salud.