Waterborne Protozoan Pathogens and Associated Factors among Households in Bonga Town Kaffa Zone, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Waterborne Protozoa pathogens are still a major health burden in many parts of the world. According to the World Health organization report, 1.4% of people who have suffered from diarrhea caused by contaminated water (especially groundwater) which kill 1.8 million people every year. More than 771 million people still lack a basic drinking water service in 2020 lived in sub-Saharan Africa. The main waterborne illnesses are Ameoabiassis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, and so on. Objective: To determine the prevalence of waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens and associated factors among household members in Bonga town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021 Method: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among the households in Bonga town from August to October 2021. The two kebeles were selected randomly from six kebeles of the Bonga town. From eighty-one households residing in two kebele 396 individuals were participated in this study. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select the first household. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic and related risk factors data. Stool sample was collected from each participant and processed using a wet mount, Formol ether concentration technique, and Auramine-phenol staining technique. A total of twelve water samples were collected from water sources and processed for most probable number using bacteriological technique to water quality parameters. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences versions 21 and all variables with P-value <0.25 in the bi-variant analysis were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant throughout the study. Result: The prevalence waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens in this study was26.5%( 74.1%households ).Of which the most frequently detected waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens were G.lamblia/duodenalis 10.4% followed by Cryptosporidum spp 7.8% and E.histolytica/dispar 7.8%. Significant associations were observed between waterborne intestinal Protozoa pathogens and associated risk factors such as, sex, households’ family size and, water sources. In addition, those who used E.coli positive water sources for drinking purposes were 2.408 times at high risk of waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens compared to E.coli negative water sources users. Compared to those who used low fecal coliform count water II sources for drinking purpose were 67.1% at reduced risk of waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens who used high fecal coliform count water sources. Conclusion and recommendation: The present study reveals that waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens were highly prevalent among Bonga town. An increasing prevalence of waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens was associated with risk factors such as Sex, type of Water sources and households family size. Water contamination level, fecal coliform count, and E.coli status were determined found to be associated with waterborne intestinal protozoan pathogens. Therefore, concerned stalk holders should monitor and supervise the water sources and hygienic practices of the Bonga town residents.