Co-occurrence of Helicobacter pylori with faecal bacteria in Nairobi river basin: public health implications

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: Overwhelming evidence implicates Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as an etiologic agent of gastrointestinal diseases including gastric cancer. The mode of transmission of this pathogen remains poorly understood. Objective: This investigation is to establish the presence of H. pylori in the waters of the Nairobi river basin and the predictive value the presence of fecal indicator bacteria would have for H. pylori. Methodology: Physical, chemical and biological assessment of water quality of rivers in Nairobi were carried out using standard methods. H. pylori DNA in water was detected using highly specific primers of glmM gene (294pb). Results: There was high presence of faecal bacteria in the waters sampled. H. pylori DNA was detected in two domestic wells and one river. The wells were located in two different regions of the water basin but influenced by similar human activities. Conclusion:The high presence of faecal bacteria in the waters sampled did not parallel the H. pylori detection in the same waters. H. pylori was detected in the Nairobi river basin, but there was no relationship between the numerical levels of fecal bacteria and H. pylori.

Editorial: Updates on communicable and non-communicable diseases in LMICs

“…21 Others include predictors for post-discharge mortality from sepsis, 22 perceptions and risky behaviors associated with leptospirosis in Thailand; 23 and public health implications of co-occurrence of Helicobacter pylori with faecal bacteria in Nairobi river basin. 24 Non communicable diseases refuse to go away as previously noted: Ugandan authors bring their study on factors associated with echocardiographic abnormalities among newly diagnosed diabetic patients at Mulago Hospital; 25 while Ngahane et al report factors affecting adherence to asthma controller therapy in chest clinics in sub-Saharan. 26 From south India we have a treatise on risk factors for allergic disorders, 27 while their compatriots report on eye effects among people with diabetes.…”