The impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea among Egyptian children in rural areas, 2004–2007

Abstract

Introduction: The present study, conducted between January 2004 and April 2007, explored the impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea, using data from a prospective birth cohort of 348 infants in five villages in the Nile Delta in Egypt. Methodology: Neonates were enrolled at birth and followed up until 24 months of age. Children were visited twice a week to survey them for acute diarrhea. A detailed observational household hygiene survey was completed in-house every six months. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) of developing bacterial diarrhea was calculated for exposure to different hygiene variables and examined for specific bacterial pathogens. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of bacterial diarrhea by 70%, while bacterial diarrhea cases were 2.6 times higher in the warm season. Risk of Campylobacter diarrhea increased with the absence of barriers to keep birds and animals out of the eating area, the presence of garbage containers and a bathing facility within the compound, and the presence of feces on the floor of the bathing facility. Use of municipal water for drinking and cooking was associated with a lower risk of Campylobacter diarrhea. Risk of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea increased with uncovered garbage containers and the presence of liquid materials in the garbage containers, but decreased with the use of tap water in the washing facility. Conclusion: The results highlight some potential targets for interventions, such as expanding municipal water supply to all houses and comprehensive mass-media awareness programs to change hygiene-promoting behaviors and practices.

Epidemiology and Impact of Campylobacter Infection in Children in 8 Low-Resource Settings: Results From the MAL-ED Study

“…Despite heterogeneity between sites, factors associated with reduced Campylobacter detection included exclusive breastfeeding, treatment of drinking water, access to an improved latrine, and recent use of antibiotics, particularly macrolides. These findings are consistent with other studies which have shown exclusive breastfeeding, water quality, and sanitation to be important determinants of Campylobacter infection [ 34 , 35 ]. These observations, along with the correlation between infection with Campylobacter and intestinal parasites, are suggestive of diffuse environmental exposure to Campylobacter .…”

Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Surface Water in Bassaseachic Falls National Park, Mexico

“…Biochemical identification analyses grouped them in 16 different genera and species from the Enterobacteriaceae , Pasterurellaceae , Vibrionaceae, and Moraxellaceae families ( Table 2 ). Selected isolates identified in the present study are commonly reported in epidemic water outbreaks in developing countries [ 4 , 9 , 30 ], thereby explaining the diarrhea outbreaks observed among the Basaseachi waterfalls inhabitants, primarily the children. Gastrointestinal diseases were associated with most bacterial pathogens found in this study, and linked with wastewater contamination to well water ( Table 2 ).…”

One health approach of campylobacteriosis in Egypt: An emerging zoonotic disease

“…The risk of Campylobacter diarrhea decreases in presence of barriers to keep birds and animals out of the eating area, absence of garbage and feces on the floor of bathing facilities, stressing on mass-media public health awareness programs for changing hygiene-promoting behaviors and practices, strengthening on recent diagnostic facilities, setting up national surveillance programs as well as providing incentives from funding organizations for collaborations in Campylobacter research as other emerging disease in developing countries [42,43]. Public health awareness regarding the correct use of municipal and ground water for drinking or cooking only after treatment by filtration and/or boiling is important [31].…”