Impact of Some Ecological Factors on Fecal Contamination of Drinking Water by Diarrheagenic Antibiotic-ResistantEscherichia coliin Zagazig City, Egypt

Abstract

Fecal contamination of drinking water is a major health problem which accounts for many cases of diarrhea mainly in infants and foreigners. This contamination is a complex interaction of many parameters. Antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates complicates the problem. The study was done to identify fecal contamination of drinking water by Diarrheagenic Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli in Zagazig city and to trace reasons for such contamination, three hundred potable water samples were investigated for E. coli existence. Locations of E. coli positive samples were investigated in relation to population density, water source, and type of water pipe. Sixteen E. coli strains were isolated. Antibiotic sensitivity was done and enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic, and enterohaemorrhagic virulence genes were investigated by PCR. Probability of fecal contamination correlated with higher population density, with increased distance from Zagazig water plant, and with asbestos cement water pipes. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial drug was found in all isolates. Virulence genes were detected in a rate of 26.27%, 13.13%, 20%, 6.67%, and 33.33% for LT, ST, stx1, stx2, and eae genes, respectively. This relatively high frequency of fecal contamination points towards the high risk of developing diarrhea by antibiotic resistant DEC in low socioeconomic communities particularly with old fashion distribution systems.

Enterotoxins as a molecular marker of water quality

“…The roof catchment rainwater harvesting system is also more exposed to contamination by flying animals like birds, whereas the water sources included in this study could be exposed to contamination from humans and any kinds of animals. On the other hand, the result from this study was slightly lower than that in Egypt (50%; n¼300 from potable water of old service pipes in urban areas throughout the year) (Fakhr et al 2016). Limited maintenance of the old water system and/or seasonal variation could account for the slightly increased prevalence of enterotoxins.…”

“…The study was carried out in South Wollo, Ethiopia. Population density is associated with probability of fecal contamination, and South Wollo was chosen due to its relatively high population density (nearly 170 people per km 2 ), with a population of more than 2 million (51% female) in an area of 17,000 km 2 (CSA Ethiopia & ICF 2016; Fakhr et al 2016). Governments and non-governmental organizations in the area were intervening extensively, including constructing new and improved water supplies.…”

Impact Of Lateral Separations Between Pit Latrines And Wells On Contamination Of Groundwater In The Tano Districts Of Ghana

“…The presence of these organisms in the wells has the potential to subject the people living in this vicinity to a lot of gastroenteritis. This is supported by (Loyola et al, 2020;Maramraj et al, 2020;Fakhr et al, 2016) that faecal contamination of drinking water is a frequent problem which accounts for many cases of diarrhoea. This may explain the reports gathered from the Tano North District Health Directorate (2011) in Awuah (2012) indicating that many people in the Districts complain of typhoid and other diarrhoea related diseases.…”

Microbial analysis of water bodies near food industries

“…An adequate supply of safe drinking water is universally recognized as a basic human requirement. Previous reports have indeed documented that improving the microbial quality of drinking water by household treatment and safe storage reduces the development of diarrhea [15]. Yet millions of people in the developing world do not have ready access to an adequate and safe water supply owing to rapid urbanization, mostly in peri-urban and slum areas.…”

“…Although water plays a significant role in maintaining human health, it is also known to be carrier of many diseases. Globally, drinking water has been established as a primary transmission pathway for diarrheal pathogens [15]. The microbial contamination of drinking water constitutes a major concern worldwide being an important source of infection and mortality.…”