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Is there an association between bacteriological drinking water quality and childhood diarrhoea in developing

P K Jensen1, G Jayasinghe, W van der Hoek

  • 1Department of International Health, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. p.k.jensen@pubhealth.ku.dk

Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|November 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

No link found between drinking water bacteria and childhood diarrhea in Pakistan. Contamination in household containers, not water sources, showed a weak, non-significant trend with diarrhea incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood diarrhea remains a significant health issue globally.
  • Bacteriological quality of drinking water is a key factor in disease transmission.
  • Understanding contamination points is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between drinking water bacteriological quality and childhood diarrhea incidence.
  • To differentiate the impact of source water versus domestic storage contamination.

Main Methods:

  • A 1-year prospective study in southern Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Weekly monitoring of diarrhea episodes in children under 5 years.
  • Weekly assessment of drinking water sources and household storage containers for Escherichia coli.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant association was found between Escherichia coli in public drinking water sources and diarrhea incidence.
  • A non-significant trend suggested a possible link between Escherichia coli in household storage and diarrhea.
  • High fecal contamination levels were observed in domestic water containers, irrespective of source water quality.

Conclusions:

  • Public drinking water quality alone may not significantly impact endemic childhood diarrhea.
  • Domestic water storage practices likely play a critical role in fecal contamination.
  • Interventions targeting household water management are essential for reducing diarrhea incidence.

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