Human Enteric Pathogens in Eight Rivers Used as Rural Household Drinking Water Sources in the Northern Region of South Africa

Natasha Potgieter, Simbarashe Karambwe, Lutendo Sylvia Mudau, Tobias Barnard and Afsatou Traore
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Natasha Potgieter: Microbiology Department, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Simbarashe Karambwe: Microbiology Department, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Lutendo Sylvia Mudau: Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tobias Barnard: Water & Health Research Center, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, 2006 Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Afsatou Traore: Microbiology Department, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: People living in rural areas still rely on the use of environmental water that is contaminated by human and animal activities. This study assessed the occurrence of human enteric pathogens in rivers that are used by rural communities Vhembe District of South Africa as a source of drinking water covering two seasons (winter and summer) over a one-year period. Water quality was assessed using physico characteristics and indicator organisms (total coliforms, E. coli , Clostridium perfringens ). Pathogens tested included bacteria (Pathogenic E. coli , Salmonella -, Shigella - and Vibrio spp.), protozoa (Cryptosporidium- and Giardia spp.), and enteric viruses (Rota-, Noro-, Entero-, and Adenoviruses) while using published molecular protocols. The results showed that the indicator bacteria counts exceeded South African drinking water quality guideline limits and pathogenic E. coli was detected in the samples. No Shigella spp. were isolated, while Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. were present; parasites were detected in four rivers and Enteric viruses were predominantly detected in the winter season. The results indicated the poor condition of water and the potential health risks to consumers highlighting the need for implementing river catchment management strategies for continued sustainability in these rivers.

Keywords: enteric pathogens; diarrhoea; river water; rural communities; Vhembe District; water quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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