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Blastocystis spp. contaminated water sources in aboriginal settlements
S A Noradilah1,2, I L Lee3, T S Anuar4,5
1Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Tropical Biomedicine
|February 17, 2021
Summary
Blastocystis, a parasite, was found in nearly half of the river water samples used by Malaysian aborigines. This contamination, linked to fecal matter, highlights the need for cleaner water sources to prevent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Blastocystis is increasingly detected in various water bodies globally.
- Limited research exists on Blastocystis presence in water sources utilized by indigenous communities in Malaysia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of Blastocystis in water samples from aboriginal settlements in Pahang, Malaysia.
- To assess the relationship between Blastocystis presence and water quality parameters.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected from rivers and other sources in aboriginal villages.
- Samples underwent filtration, cultivation, and trichrome staining for Blastocystis detection.
- Physicochemical parameters and microbial contamination (e.g., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis was identified in 42.9% of river water samples and 6.25% of other water sources.
- All river samples tested positive for Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating fecal contamination.
- Blastocystis occurrence showed significant correlations with conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), sulfate concentration, and fecal coliforms.
Conclusions:
- River water utilized by the aboriginal community is a likely source for Blastocystis transmission.
- Protecting these water sources from organic and fecal contamination is crucial for controlling Blastocystis spread.
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