Isolation of <i>E.coli</i> 0157:H7 from milk and cattle faeces from urban dairy farming and non-dairy farming neighbour households in Dagoretti Division, Nairobi, Kenya: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in milk and cattle faecal samples dairy and non dairy neighbouring households and to relate this prevalence to the risk to human health. Cross sectional study. Urban and peri-urban households of Dagoretti, Division, Nairobi, Kenya. Dairy farming households and non dairy farming neighbouring households. E coli O157:H7 was isolated from milk samples at three of 136 non-dairy neighbour households (2.2% C.I. 0.5%,6.3%) but was not found in any of the milk samples from the 260 milk samples from dairy households (0% C.I. 0.0%,1.4%). E.coli O157:H7 was also found in fifteen of 285 pooled household cattle faecal sample (5.2%, C.I. 3.1%, 8.7%). One of the faecal isolates was found to have the marker for the production of VT1. Discussions with focus groups revealed that the participants had limited knowledge about E. coli O157:H7. Focus group discussions and household questionnaires revealed practices increasing risk of E. coli infections to humans are associated with milking hygiene, drinking water source and treatment, and manure handling. E. coli O157:H7 exists in urban setting and continuous surveillance is needed in case conditions and practices change favoring an increase in its prevalence and transmission to people.