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Sanitation, water treatment reduce intestinal protozoa infections
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Availability or use of sanitation facilities and water treatment could reduce the incidence of certain intestinal protozoa infections, according to recently published findings.
“Children in low-income and middle-income countries who lack access to clean water and improved sanitation are at particular risk of acquiring intestinal protozoa infections,” the researchers wrote. “Because intestinal protozoa are transmitted by the fecal-oral route and through drinking contaminated water, infections are present where access to clean water and improved sanitation is inadequate.”
Researchers conducted a systematic meta-analysis of 54 published studies in accordance with previously established guidelines. Studies eligible for inclusion reported on one of several pre-determined intestinal protozoa species in relation to the use or availability of sanitation (fecal disposal facilities) and water treatment at the place of consumption (boiling, filtering and UV treatment). Extracted data were analyzed to determine relevant overall OR estimates.
Twenty-three studies examined the effect of sanitation availability, 11 examined the use of sanitation, 29 examined water treatment practices, and two studies did not specify whether sanitation was used or available. Three were considered by the researchers to be high-quality studies, 34 were moderate quality and 17 were low quality.
Data revealed that the availability or use of sanitation facilities was associated with reduced chances of infection with Entamoeba histolytica or E. dispar (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42-0.74), as well as Giardia intestinalis (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.81). Water treatment at the place of consumption was associated with reduced infection of Blastocytis hominis (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34-0.78), E. histolytica or E. dispar (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.99), G. intestinalis (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8) and Cryptosporidium spp (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.7-0.98). Reduced infection was also seen with Cryptosporidium spp and B. hominis with sanitation facilities but not significant.
“Even though improved sanitation and safe water might be effective against a series of infectious diseases and cost-effective in the long run, short-term budget constraints and organizational hurdles might hamper their promotion and implementation,” the researchers wrote. “Consequently, the effect of improved sanitation facilities and safe water in combating a large number of infectious diseases cannot be emphasized enough, and should assist policymakers and practitioners to develop and implement strategies for access and use of improved sanitation facilities and water treatment.” – by Dave Muoio
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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