Determination of the Role of Muddy Soils around Wells in the Transmission of Oocysts/Cysts Load in the Peri-Urbanized Areas of Yaounde (Cameroon): Relationship to Some Environmental Factors

Authors

  • Asi Quiggle Atud
  • Gideon Aghaindum Ajeagah
  • Mama Mbouombouo
  • Rose Pulcherie Ngakomo Ananga
  • Thérèse Nadège Okoa Amougou
  • Gertrude Estelle Yocgback
  • Diane Armelle Moussima Yaka

Keywords:

oocysts, cysts, sanitation, muddy soil, physico-chemical factors, sub-urban areas of Central Region

Abstract

In order to determine the role of muds in the dissemination of resistance forms of Protozoa, a study was carried out on a sample in 32 stations in sub-urban areas of the Center region. The physico-chemical analysis was carried out both in the field and in the Hydrobiology and Environment laboratory. The observation of Protozoan parasites was done with an inverted microscope Olympus CK2 at the 40X objective after concentration of the samples following the sedimentation and Ziehl-Neelsen methods. Biological analysis showed that muds near the water points are highly contaminated by diversity of parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Isospora belli, Sarcocystis spp., Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, blastocystis spp., Giardia intestinalis, Chilomastix mesnili and Balantidium coli) with higher densities during the rainy seasons. The densities of cysts and oocysts were 68 ± 72 oocysts/L and 25 ± 22 cysts/L respectively accompanied by high values of suspended solids (12563 ± 8117.2 mg/L) and turbidity (24430 ± 9779.1 FTU). The abundance of parasites is significantly and positively correlated with suspended matter and turbidity and negatively correlated with electrical conductivity (P < 0.05). Contamination of muds would be a factor that amplifies the contamination risk of groundwater and public health.

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Published

2021-11-22

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Section

Articles