Background: Poor quality of drinking water has been linked to increased prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Intestinal protozoal infections are potential water borne pathogens. They contribute significantly to the burden of diarrheal diseases. Their transmission dynamics vary considerably among geographic areas.
Objective: The present study investigated protozoal infections in diarrheic children and their relation to protozoal contamination of drinking water and other potential risk factors in two Egyptian villages.
Material and Methods: Stool samples of 150 diarrheic children and 40 drinking water samples collected from the houses of participating children were examined for enteric protozoa. Data on potential risk factors for protozoal infection were recorded.
Results: Protozoa were detected in 62.7% of faecal samples and in 32.5% of water samples. Protozoa were not found in water filtered by domestic filters. Protozoal infection was significantly more common among children who were drinking water in which protozoan contaminants were detected (84.6%) compared to those whose water sources were negative (22.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only two factors were independently linked to intestinal protozoal infection among participating children; neglecting hand wash before eating (adjusted OR: 7.446, 95% CI: 3.113-17.810) and drinking tap water directly without filtration (adjusted OR: 4.653, 95% CI: 1.82-11.895).
Conclusion: The study provides supportive evidence for the role of contaminated water in human infection. Attention should be paid to ensure safe drinking water supply in developing countries. Simple measures such as water filtration coupled with personal hygiene can markedly reduce the risk of infection.