Escherichia coli Contamination of Water for Human Consumption and Its Associated Factors in Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study

Microbial Water Quality at the Point of Use: The Role of Socio-Economic Factors and Water Handling Practices in Kitwe District, Zambia

Background

The scarcity of safe drinking water affects individuals living in low income areas, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors, water handling practices and microbial water quality in Kitwe District, Zambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 households using a semi-structured questionnaire along with microbiological analysis of water samples during the dry and wet season. A total of 44 water samples (per season) from the point of use and 16 source samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, residual chlorine, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic factors, water handling practices, and water quality.

Results

The prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination was 61.3% during the dry season and 77.3% during the wet season. Key factors associated with household water quality included, household monthly income, education level, family size, season, storage container design, water withdrawal method, covering storage containers, water treatment practices, and hand washing with soap. Notably, households that used narrow-mouthed containers (AOR = 0.090, 0.014-0.580), covered their storage containers (AOR = 0.113, 0.014-0.889), and practiced water treatment (AOR = 0.120, 0.022-0.656) showed significantly reduced risks of E. coli contamination.

Conclusion and recommendations

The findings highlight the importance of socio-economic factors and proper water handling practices in improving household water quality. To enhance water safety and reduce water-related diseases, targeted interventions should focus on educating communities about the effective handling of water. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic factors and improving access to safe water are essential for mitigating contamination risks in low-income areas.

A practical and environmentally sustainable approach to dye removal: Synthesis and characterization of a highly efficient crosslinked chitosan-Schiff base adsorbent for Eriochrome Black T removal

The removal of dyes from aquatic environments is crucial amidst the growing demands of industrialization and environmental sustainability. This study focuses on fabricating a novel crosslinked chitosan adsorbent with high adsorption capacity to remove EBT dye effectively. The synthesis of the adsorbent involved a two-step process: condensation with pyridine-3-carbaldehyde followed by crosslinking with 1,1'-(piperazine-1,4-diyl)bis(2-chloroethan-1-one). The synthesized adsorbent, designated as Cs-Py1-Pz, was characterized using techniques such as TGA, 1H NMR, BET, SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, and FTIR. The effects of controlling factors, including initial concentration, temperature, pH, contact time, and dosage, on adsorption performance were investigated. Based on the Langmuir isotherm model, the Cs-Py1-Pz adsorbent exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 1640.04 mg g-1 for EBT dye removal at 298 K. Furthermore, the pseudo-first-order model best described the experimental kinetic data. While the intraparticle diffusion mechanism influenced the adsorption process, it was not the sole controlling factor. Combined theoretical and experimental thermodynamic studies suggested that the interaction between EBT dye and Cs-Py1-Pz is likely governed by a physical process occurring spontaneously and exothermically. Reusability studies demonstrated successful regeneration of the adsorbent using NaOH as an eluent. Notably, Cs-Py1-Pz exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli growth, with a 66.7 % inhibition rate. Overall, these findings highlight Cs-Py1-Pz as a promising adsorbent with a high capacity for the effective removal of EBT dye from aqueous solutions.

Helicobacter pylori exposure among the Awajún of the Peruvian Amazon: Prevalence and environmental, social, and biological associations

OBJECTIVES

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-a gastric bacteria affecting almost 50% of the global population and leading to ulcers and cancer in severe cases-is a growing health concern among Indigenous populations who report a high burden of reported poor general health and gastrointestinal distress. We test hypothesized associations between H. pylori exposure patterns and environmental, social, and biological conditions among a sample of 212 Indigenous Awajún adults (112 males, 100 females, ages 18-65 years) living in the northern Peruvian Amazon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried blood spots were analyzed for H. pylori-specific IgG using a recently developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resulting seropositivity rates and antibody concentrations, proxying past exposures to H. pylori were analyzed in relation to relevant environmental (toilet type, floor material, reported water quality), social (household size and education level), and biological (age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, immune and metabolic biomarkers) factors using multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

We found near ubiquitous seropositivity for H. pylori exposure in our sample (99.1% seropositive). In the regression analyses, elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations were significantly higher among males compared to females (β = 0.36, p = 0.01). No associations were found with any other factors.

DISCUSSION

Anthropological research in the study communities suggests that the male bias in elevations of H. pylori antibody concentrations is related to cultural and biological factors. Future research is needed to further unravel these biocultural dynamics and determine whether elevations in H. pylori antibody concentrations have clinical relevance for gastrointestinal health outcomes in this population.

Determinants, inequalities, and spatial patterns of diarrhea in the Peruvian under-five population: findings from nationally representative survey data

Objective

To determine the associated factors, decompose the socioeconomic inequalities, and analyze the spatial distribution of childhood diarrhea in Peru.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using data from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey 2021. The dependent variable was the presence of diarrhea in the last two weeks. Three types of analysis were performed: (i) to evaluate the associated factors, generalized linear models of the Poisson family with logarithmic link were applied and prevalence ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were reported; (ii) for the analysis of inequalities, a decomposition of the Erreygers concentration index was performed using a generalized linear model; and (ii) a spatial autocorrelation analysis, hot spot analysis and cluster and outlier analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 18,871 children under 5 years of age were included. The prevalence of diarrhea in this population was 10.0%. Determinants such as being aged 0-23 months, being male, belonging to the poorest, poorer and rich wealth index, and residing in the Highlands and Jungle increased the probability of presenting diarrhea. In the decomposition analysis, diarrhea had a pro-poor orientation, with the greatest contributors were age 0-23 months, belonging to the poorest and poorer wealth indexes, and residing in the Highlands and Jungle. Spatial analysis showed that the highest concentrations and occurrence of this event were observed in departments of the Highlands and Jungle.

Conclusion

Government institutions seeking to reduce the numbers and burden of childhood diarrhea should focus their strategies on promoting hygiene measures and improving access to water and sanitation services, especially in poor populations living in the Peruvian Highlands and Jungle.