Blastocystis spp. contaminated water sources in aboriginal settlements
- Author:
Noradilah, S.A.
;
Salleh, F.M.
;
Abdul Manap, S.N.A.
;
Husnie, N.S.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2017;34(1):110-117
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Blastocystis has been increasingly reported in water bodies. However, lack of
studies to determine the presence of Blastocystis in water used by the aborigines in Malaysia
has led to the birth of this research. This study was therefore aimed to determine the
occurrence of Blastocystis in water samples in aboriginal settlements in Pahang, Malaysia.
Water samples collected from seven sampling points of two rivers and other water sources in
the villages were subjected to filtration and cultivation followed by trichrome staining. The
trichrome stained slides were observed microscopically under 1000X magnification for the
presence of Blastocystis. River samples were also measured for physicochemical parameters.
From this study, 42.9% of the river water and 6.25% of other water samples were positive for
Blastocystis. All river samples showed presence of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter
aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. Statistical analysis showed Blastocystis
occurrence in the river were significantly correlated conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen
demand (COD), total dissolved solid (TDS), concentration of sulfate and faecal coliforms.
The river water used by the aborigines is a probable source for Blastocystis transmission in
this community. Therefore, protection of the river from organic material and faecal
contaminations are highly required in order to control the contamination by Blastocystis.
- Full text:P020170529362107779392.pdf
