Sanitation Program Research Articles

Evolution and genomic profile of Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum isolates from Brazil.

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes Pullorum disease (PD). PD is an acute systemic disease that affects young chickens, causing white diarrhea and high mortality. Although many sanitary programs have been carried out to eradicate S. Pullorum, PD outbreaks have been reported in different types of birds (layers, broilers, breeders) worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution and genetic characteristics of S. Pullorum isolated from PD in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of S. Pullorum genomes sequenced in this study and available genomic databases demonstrated that all isolates from Brazil are from sequence type 92 (ST92) and cluster into two lineages (III and IV). ColpVC, IncFIC(FII), and IncFII(S) were plasmid replicons frequently found in the Brazilian lineages. Two resistance genes (aac(6')-Iaa, conferring resistance to aminoglycoside, disinfecting agents, and antiseptics (mdf(A)) and tetracycline (mdf(A)) were detected frequently. Altogether, these results are important to understand the circulation of S. Pullorum and, consequently, to develop strategies to reduce losses due to PD.

Determination of the extent to which people’s attitude influences solid waste management in Cross River State, Nigeria.

This paper examined the determination of people’s attitudes on Solid Waste Management in Cross River State, Nigeria. One hypothesis was developed to direct the investigation to fulfill the study's objectives. In line with this, a literature review was conducted. For this study, a survey research design was used. Out of the 6,923 respondents in the population, a random sample of 1,106 respondents was chosen for the study. Stratified random sampling, basic random sampling, and accidental sampling were used to choose the sample. Determining People's Attitudes on Solid Waste Management Questionnaire (DPAXWM) was the name of the tool used to collect data. Two measurement and evaluation specialists and one from the Department of Continuing Education and Development Studies validated the questionnaire. The split-half reliability approach was used to estimate the instrument's dependability. The statistical method used to examine the hypothesis under investigation was the independent t-test. The hypothesis was tested with significance set at the.05 level. The study's conclusion showed that attitude has a significant influence on solid waste management. The study's conclusions led to recommendations for the immediate reinstatement of the bimonthly or monthly environmental sanitation program and for raising public awareness of the risks associated with the careless disposal of waste that Cross River State residents engage in. Above all, to improve residents' health and safety, the state government should also provide waste management facilities so that people can dispose of their garbage correctly.

Integration of water, sanitation, and hygiene program with biosecurity: A One Health approach to reduce the prevalence and exposure of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the livestock community

The global spread of antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health and is one of the main causes of this problem. Livestock farming plays a significant role in the horizontal and vertical transmission of treatment-resistant genes and bacteria. These processes involve contact with agricultural products and the environment, raising concerns for public health, and farming communities. The farming community is composed of a staggering 608 million farms worldwide, and their livelihood depends heavily on livestock farming. To address this issue, a multidisciplinary One Health approach focusing on integrated monitoring and intervention for humans, animals, and the environment is essential. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) programs have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli, by obstructing the transmission route between humans and animals. Additional risk reduction measures for ESBL E. coli infection in animals include vaccination and biosecurity program implementation. Water, sanitation, and hygiene and biosecurity measures must be combined to maximize the effectiveness of the One Health program. Therefore, this study aimed to describe recent advances in biosecurity and WaSH interventions in the livestock environment, analyze the effects of these interventions on human and animal health, and investigate potential future scenarios within the quantitative microbial risk assessment framework. This study used an integrative literature review through searches of four databases, a review of World Health Organization documents through websites, and an examination of relevant texts from previously obtained reference lists. Although hygiene and sanitation are often combined, there is still a lack of quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of integrating WaSH with biosecurity in livestock. In addition, the integration of the WaSH program with biosecurity has potential as a One Health intervention in the coming years. Keywords: antibiotic-resistant bacteria, biosecurity, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli, One Health, scenario, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Pencegahan Stunting Melalui Pilar 1 Stop Buang Air Besar Sembarangan Di Kelurahan Waehaong Kecamatan Nusaniwe Kota Ambon

Stunting is a condition where a person's height is shorter than the height of other people in general (of the same age). Stunted (short stature) or low height/length for age is used as an indicator of chronic malnutrition which describes the history of under-nutrition in toddlers over a long period of time. The design used in this research is a research design with a correlational/causal analytical method with a cross sectional design. The population in this study was 82 mothers of toddlers. The sampling technique used in this research was the Slovin formula. The total sample in this study was 82 mothers of toddlers. The results of the research show that there is a significant relationship between healthy latrines and the incidence of stunting among toddlers in Waehaong subdistrict, Nusaniwe subdistrict, Ambon City with a p value of 0.000. For the government, in this case, village officials, especially village heads, are expected to be able to facilitate and plan budget procurement for environmental sanitation improvements such as improving healthy latrine facilities and making efforts to improve residential environmental sanitation programs with healthy behavior. Health workers, especially sanitarian officers, can carry out their role as educators by providing education related to the health of the family environment in order to increase knowledge about maintaining and creating a healthy family environment. And can also provide education about healthy latrine facilities and strive to improve residential environmental sanitation programs with healthy behavior.

River rejuvenation in urban India for enhancing living conditions through integrated water resources management.

India, being a developing country, faces big challenges in ensuring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all. This case study presents the performance evaluation of a large wastewater management and sanitation-related infrastructure in a metropolitan city in North India. "Dravyavati River Project" is the major sanitation program of the water-stressed Jaipur city based on the concept of river rejuvenation of the long-lost Dravyavati River which flows across the city. The project envisages integrated urban water management such that it aims at the collection and treatment of wastewater (sewage network and treatment plants), safe disposal, ensuring continuous unpolluted flow, geological and ecological integrity to strengthen public health, to reduce the impact of water stress on the total water cycle by promoting groundwater recharge, and improvement in biodiversity. The technical assessment is based on the primary and secondary data collection of field samples and laboratory analysis of influent and effluent samples collected from the five sewage treatment plants (STPs). The results suggest that the project has largely delivered the envisaged environment, public well-being, and ecological and socioeconomic benefits, but there are substantial gaps in the conceived outputs and actual performance. The challenge lies in bridging these gaps and overcoming operational inefficiencies to ensure the sustainability of the Dravyavati River rejuvenation.

The GEO-SPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL ON THE OCCURRENCE OF CHOLERA IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Temperature and rainfall variability as an important factor that could affect the occurrence of Cholera becomes one of the major concerns globally. This study assessed the influence of these factors on the occurrence of Cholera in Kano State, Nigeria. The researchers employed the used of Cholera surveillance data obtained from Kano State Ministry of Health, the mean monthly temperature, and total monthly rainfall data downloaded from the climatic research unit of the University of East Anglia archive (2010 to 2019). The data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) in ArcMap 10.8 environment. Results showed that an increase in temperature by 1 unit positively influences the occurrence of Cholera by 19.69, 11.7 and 18.7 unit during hot/dry, warm/wet, and cold/dry season respectively. Similarly, an increase in rainfall by 1 unit brings about a rise in the outbreak of Cholera by 0.67 and 0.97 unit during hot/dry and warm/wet season respectively. In addition, highest influence of temperature and rainfall on the outbreak of Cholera during warm/wet season with R2 value of 0.25, and lowest during the cold/dry season with R2 value at 0.06. Northern part of the State experienced the strongest influence (R2 values of 0.2) while Southern part recorded the lowest influence with R2 values of 0.04 to 0.07. Variability in temperature and rainfall in Kano State were directly related with the outbreak of Cholera. Hence, the need for more environmental sanitation programs and public campaign as climate related mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Public Acceptance of Utilization of Water Reuse in Community-Based Sanitation Infrastructure (Case Study: Bandung City)

The difficulty of sustainable development is hampered by water scarcity and increased water demands, particularly in urban areas. Domestic wastewater discharges contaminate surface water bodies, such as the Citarum River. These difficulties, which disproportionately affect low-income populations, contribute to health consequences like diarrhoea and stunting. The Reinvented Toilet Project, a community-based sanitation programme, was put into place in Pasirluyu Village, Bandung, to combat water pollution. In order to lower water demand and sewage generation, it includes water reuse, reusing processed wastewater for other applications. This study assesses Pasirluyu Village infrastructure users' attitudes towards social water reuse. Surveys gathered data on demographics, views on water recycling, and information about sanitary facilities. Spearman correlation tests and descriptive analysis were carried out. The outcomes show that infrastructure users have a positive impression of water reuse. However, some people are hesitant to use reclaimed water for activities that require close personal touch. The relationship between public acceptability of water reuse for flushing toilets and acceptance for other purposes raises the possibility of a cascading expansion of water reuse practises. Keywords: community-based infrastructure, households, water reuse, water reuse aceptance

Priority regions for eliminating open defecation in Africa: implications for antimicrobial resistance

AbstractSanitation, which offers safe and effective methods for waste disposal, is important for development. However, in Africa and other developing regions, the prevalent practice of open defecation (OD) impedes attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This research delves into the analysis of OD in Africa and proposes a three-tier priority system, comprising critical, high, and medium areas, through which developmental endeavours can be targeted. To achieve this, the study utilizes data from demographic and health surveys (DHS) and the World Bank. The rates of OD at country and sub-country/region levels were calculated to define the priority system, and regression analyses were used to determine predictors of OD practice. The findings are that Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Chad have a high number of people struggling with open defecation. In addition, disparities in access to proper sanitation facilities were identified among impoverished individuals and those residing in rural areas. After adjusting for education and residence, the poorest are 43 times (95% confidence interval 42.443–45.290) more likely to practice open defecation in comparison with the wealthiest. Consequently, wealth index is a pivotal factor in eradicating open toileting. To address this pressing issue in Africa, it is imperative to prioritize evidence-based targeted interventions that concentrate on regions and communities urgently needing improved sanitation infrastructure and programmes. Special attention should be paid to West Africa since many of its communities are in the critical category. Poverty and inequality must be addressed and investments in sanitation infrastructure, behavioural change promotion, and support multistakeholder collaborations should be encouraged. To evaluate OD interventions and monitor health impact, variables such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be included in important health surveys (e.g. DHS). This study is the largest meta-data analyses of OD in Africa detailing drivers and communities that should be prioritised on sanitation interventions.

Menstrual health during COVID-19: How water, sanitation, and hygiene strategies can improve menstrual health and hygiene and foster gender equality

Despite the fact that over 800 million women, girls, transgender, and gender nonbinary persons menstruate, menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) remains a taboo and under-resourced public health subject. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) insecurity, an issue made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, plays a significant role in menstruators’ abilities to safely manage their periods. COVID-19 has further revealed how a continued lack of access to WASH resources hinders an individuals’ means to address their menstrual health with dignity. The impacts of COVID-19 have laid bare the many challenges associated with menstruation, intensifying existing inequalities for women, girls, and other menstruators. Mobility limitations and quarantining have created complex obstacles for menstruators while lockdown protocols, border closures, and panic buying have impacted the sanitary pad supply chain. Community and school closures have removed many of the routine ways in which menstruators access sanitary products. Our article seeks to understand how the pandemic and existing WASH systems exacerbated the ongoing challenges associated with MHH, highlighting opportunities for future crisis planning to advance MHH infrastructure, resources, and stigma reduction. A landscape analysis was used to understand how the pandemic affected those who menstruate. Academic, peer-reviewed literature as well as gray literature informed the authors’ understanding of the dynamic nature of COVID-19 and WASH infrastructure on menstruators. From these insights, the authors were able to identify emerging themes and trends that they have highlighted in this article. Water and sanitation programs have the power to improve gender equality and equity, health, and education by investing in menstrual hygiene infrastructure, awareness creation, and stigma reduction. The diversion of resources, and in particular WASH resources, toward pandemic-related hygiene supplies and mobility restrictions, however, have exposed menstruators to sexual exploitation and physical and mental strain. It is critical to understand and address the pandemic’s impacts on menstruators, drawing lessons from and creating opportunities to systematically advance MHH, thereby elevating gender equality.

Inactivation of dried cells and biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes by exposure to blue light at different wavelengths and the influence of surface materials.

Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) in the 400-470 nm wavelength range has been reported to kill multiple bacteria. This study assessed its potential for mitigating an important foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), focusing on surface decontamination. Three wavelengths were tested, with gallic acid as a photosensitizing agent (Ps), against dried cells obtained from bacterial suspensions, and biofilms on stainless-steel (SS) coupons. Following aBL exposure, standard microbiological analysis of inoculated coupons was conducted to measure viability. Statistical analysis of variance was performed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to observe the biofilm structures. Within 16 h of exposure at 405 nm, viable Lm dried cells and biofilms were reduced by approx. 3 log CFU/cm2 with doses of 2,672 J/cm2. Application of Ps resulted in an additional 1 log CFU/cm2 at 668 J/cm2, but its effect was not consistent. The highest dose (960 J/cm2) at 420 nm reduced viable counts on the biofilms by 1.9 log CFU/cm2. At 460 nm, after 800 J/cm2, biofilm counts were reduced by 1.6 log CFU/cm2. The effect of material composition on Lm viability was also investigated. Irradiation at 405 nm (668 J/cm2) of cells dried on polystyrene resulted in one of the largest viability reductions (4.0 log CFU/cm2), followed by high-density polyethylene (3.5 log CFU/cm2). Increasing the dose to 4,008 J/cm2 from 405 nm (24 h), improved its efficacy only on SS and polyvinyl chloride. Biofilm micrographs displayed a decrease in biofilm biomass due to the removal of biofilm portions from the surface and a shift from live to dead cells suggesting damage to biofilm cell membranes. These results suggest that aBL is a potential intervention to treat Lm contamination on typical material surfaces used in food production. IMPORTANCE Current cleaning and sanitation programs are often not capable of controlling pathogen biofilms on equipment surfaces, which transmit the bacteria to ready-to-eat foods. The presence of native plant microbiota and organic matter can protect pathogenic bacteria by reducing the efficacy of sanitizers as well as promoting biofilm formation. Post-operation washing and sanitizing of produce contact surfaces might not be adequate in eliminating the presence of pathogens and commensal bacteria. The use of a dynamic and harmless light technology during downtime and close of operation could serve as a useful tool in preventing biofilm formation and persistence. Antimicrobial blue light (aBL) technology has been explored for hospital disinfection with very promising results, but its application to control foodborne pathogens remains relatively limited. The use of aBL could be a complementary strategy to inactivate surfaces in restaurant or supermarket deli settings.

EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY-BASED WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROGRAMS IN KAMPUNG RANTAU JAYA ILIR, CENTRAL LAMPUNG REGENCY

This research is an effort to understand the sustainability issues of the PAMSIMAS (Community-Based Water Supply and Sanitation) program in Rantau Jaya Ilir Village, Central Lampung Regency. Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study tried to identify factors that affect the sustainability of the program. In the qualitative approach, researchers explore literature from various sources to explain the factors causing disruption to the PAMSIMAS program theoretically, while in the quantitative approach, data are collected through questionnaires distributed to program beneficiary communities. The results of this study cover several important aspects. First, the PAMSIMAS program in Rantau Jaya Ilir Village provides significant benefits to the community, especially in improving access and quality of clean water. Second, variables such as age, education, income, and length of stay of the community have a significant relationship with the level of participation in the program. Third, SWOT analysis shows that community participation is in quadrant I, which offers opportunities and strengths to improve programs.

Lessons from a successful national sanitation programme: the case of Nyumba ni Choo in Tanzania.

Universal access to hygienic sanitation is a Sustainable Development Goal for international development. However, many countries are liable to miss this target by the deadline of 2030. As provision and subsidy are prohibitively expensive, promotion is the tactic commonly taken by governments and stakeholders in many countries, even though it is often not effective at generating significant changes in sanitation coverage. A recent 5-year programme used an international consortium made up of organizations' experts in consumer research, creative communication, programme management and event implementation, media monitoring and programme evaluation, to achieve significant increases in the coverage of improved sanitation facilities throughout Tanzania, using adaptive programming. A number of lessons, outlined here, can be drawn from this experience which are likely to be applicable to promotion efforts in other countries and contexts and which can hopefully help countries to reach their sanitation targets. These lessons include the use of motivation and targeted expertise rather than reliance on training, the use of the theory of change to guide development processes, targeting of high-level government support, collaboration with private sector actors, testing and refreshing of messaging, continuous monitoring of on-ground conditions, use of multiple modes of outreach and branding of all programme outputs.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kepemilikan Jamban Sehat di Desa Kerta Dewa Kabupaten Musi Rawas Utara Provinsi Sumatera Selatan

Abstract
 Latrines are places where excrement is disposed of to prevent environmental pollution and the spread of disease. Data from the Surulangun Health Center in 2022, shows that Kerta Dewa Village ranks first in open defecation by 54%. The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with owning healthy latrines in Kerta Dewa Village, North Musi Rawas Regency. Quantitative research with a cross sectional approach. The sample in this study was 89 respondents taken by proportional stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using the chi-square statistical test. This study found that respondents who did not have healthy latrines were 74.2% and there was a relationship between knowledge (0.000), attitude (0.000), income (0.004), clean water facilities (0.000), role of health workers (0.001) with ownership of healthy latrines in Kerta Dewa Village, North Musi Rawas Regency. Knowledge, attitudes, income, clean water facilities, the role of health workers have a significant relationship with ownership of healthy latrines in Kerta Dewa Village. It is recommended that health workers and the village government optimize the community-based total sanitation program so that the number of healthy latrine owners increases.
 Keywords: Healthy latrines, income, knowledge, attitudes, clean water.

Social enterprises as effective exit strategies for development NGOs: the case of Bilada in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This article discusses the capacity of NGOs to develop and implement relevant and effective exit strategies. In other words, how an NGO can disengage from their interventions in the recipient country in a manner consistent with the goal of ensuring local sustainable development. In this context, we are interested in the exit strategy implemented by the Antenna Foundation in Burkina Faso, a country often seen as the laboratory of NGOs in Africa. This strategy included the handover of a nation-wide water sanitation and hygiene program to a social enterprise - an organisation, purposed to benefit the community that values autonomy and economic risk-taking related to ongoing socio-economic activity. Led by a local entrepreneur, the social enterprise benefited from the favourable market conditions created by the NGOs program activities and active advocacy for government support. Equally, the social enterprise leveraged its roots in the local ecosystem and used its entrepreneurial prerogative to take appropriate risks and adapt the business’ strategy. These factors were critical to ensuring the enterprises viability post-NGOs disengagement and capacity to sustainably promote local development, by supplying water treatment and hygiene solutions in Burkina Faso.

Cholera risk in Lusaka: A geospatial analysis to inform improved water and sanitation provision

Urbanization combined with climate change are exacerbating water scarcity for an increasing number of the world’s emerging cities. Water and sanitation infrastructure (WSS), which in the first place was largely built to cater only to a small subsector of developing city populations, is increasingly coming under excessive strain. In the rapidly growing cities of the developing world, infrastructure expansion does not always keep pace with population demand, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera (Vibrio cholerae) and typhoid (Salmonella serotype Typhi). Funding gaps make targeting efficient spending on infrastructure essential for reducing the burden of disease. This paper applies geospatial analysis in Lusaka, Zambia for the cholera outbreak of October 2017—May 2018, to identify different WSS investment scenarios and their relative impact on reducing the risk of cholera in the city. The analysis uses cholera case location data and geospatial covariates, including the location of networked and non-networked WSS infrastructure, groundwater vulnerability, and drainage, to generate a high-resolution map of cholera risk across the city. The analysis presents scenarios of standalone or combined investments across sewerage expansion and maintenance; on-site sanitation improvements; piped water network expansion and quality; and ensuring the safety of point-source water. It identifies the investment most strongly correlated with the largest reduction in cholera risk as the provision of flush-to-sewer infrastructure citywide. However, it also considers the trade-offs in terms of financial cost vs. health benefits and takes note of where the next highest health benefits could be achieved for a much lower cost. Finally, the analysis was conducted during the restructuring of an existing World Bank investment, the Lusaka Sanitation Program (LSP), and identifies the most efficient investment at the time as partial sanitation scale-up and investment in piped water in wards where cholera risk was the highest.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices and acceptability of a school preventive chemotherapy programme for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths control in Angola.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control programs require target population engagement, assessed through knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys. We report the results of a KAP survey of Angolan schoolchildren supported by a school preventive chemotherapy (PC) programme, without or with a school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme (PC+/WASH- and PC+/WASH+, respectively); and schoolchildren without a school PC or WASH program (PC-/WASH-). Schoolchildren from PC+/WASH- (N = 218), PC+/WASH+ (N = 250) and PC-/WASH- (N = 254) schools were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographics and survey responses. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare PC+/WASH- schoolchildren with (i) PC+/WASH+ and (ii) PC-/WASH- schoolchildren. A lower proportion of PC+/WASH- schoolchildren used latrines and a higher proportion practised open defecation at school compared with PC+/WASH+ schoolchildren. A lower proportion of PC+/WASH- schoolchildren always washed their hands after toileting and before meals at school compared with PC+/WASH+ schoolchildren. However, the PC+/WASH- schoolchildren reported better toileting and handwashing practices at school compared to PC-/WASH- schoolchildren. Over 90% of PC+ schoolchildren agreed with schistosomiasis and STH control and accepted schoolteacher PC delivery. Expanding the integration of both school PC and WASH programs will improve health behaviours relevant to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis and STHs in schoolchildren. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs'.

Determinants of Multidimensional Poverty in Rural Tanzania


 
 
 This study examines the determinants of multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Poverty is still a challenge in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas, since its incidence rate of decrease is slower than in urban areas. The study used binary logistic regression to identify the key determinants of multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Both the Alkire-Foster (2011) counting and binary logistic regression methods were applied to estimate the Multidimensional Poverty Index and determinants of multidimensional poverty respectively. The research utilized data that were already collected by the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey in 2017. The Alkire and Foster estimates, showed that, the majority of the households living in rural Tanzania (74.43 percent) were poor. Additionally, the findings showed that, the dimension of living standard (56.6%) contributes more to the total MPI, followed by health (23.2) and education (20.2%). Binary logit regression model estimates showed that, the factors being studied were proven to be statistically significant determinants that have an impact on multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Moreover, female-headed households were 1.22 times more likely to be multi-dimensionally poor compared to male-headed households at the 5% level of significance. The findings reveal that age, education levels and married decrease the probability of being poor. Similarly, the model revealed that, people who use family planning are less likely to be poor (odd ratio, 0.79). This study has important policy implications for reducing multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. The government should prioritize improving access to basic amenities, housing, and infrastructure, and promote education and family planning services. Gender-sensitive policies and programs are also needed to address gender inequalities in rural Tanzania. For example, the government should invest in rural infrastructure development programs, such as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, which aims to provide safe water and sanitation facilities to rural communities.
 
 
 

Outbreak of measles: threatening India’s goal to achieve elimination

Outbreak of measles: threatening India’s goal to achieve elimination

Visual inspection of surface sanitation: Defining the conditions that enhance the human threshold for detection of food residues

Visual inspection is widely used in sanitation program monitoring. However, the degree of residual food soil on equipment surfaces that is below the limit of visual detection has not been determined. The overall goal of this study was to critically evaluate the limit of detection of visual inspections and establish evidence-based strategies to improve the implementation of this monitoring activity. Respondents (n = 101) completed a visual sensory test in which they viewed 15 stainless steel and 15 white high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, clean or soiled with dry wheat flour, in a randomly generated order. Respondents were asked if they could visually detect food residue on each surface and, if so, if the surface should be re-cleaned. Half of the respondents failed to visually detect up to 0.05 g and 0.02 g of flour per square foot (929 cm2) on HDPE and stainless steel surfaces, respectively. Tactile inspection improved respondent detection sensitivity to 0.001 g of flour per square foot (929 cm2) on both HDPE and stainless steel. Respondent height, visual acuity, and prior food safety experience had significant (p < 0.05) effects on visual detection sensitivity. Respondents were more likely (p < 0.001) to say that a food-soiled surface should be re-cleaned after an intervention training. The findings from this study support the use of surfaces that color-contrast food residue, tactile evaluation with a gloved hand, training, and the use of flashlights or positional changes (e.g., crouching) to improve pre-operational inspections. Nonetheless, the additional use of verification tests remains necessary given the limit of detection determined for visual evaluation. Further research is needed on other food residues with different visual properties such as oils.

Gaining Profound Knowledge of Cholera Outbreak: The Significance of the Allee Effect on Bacterial Population Growth and Its Implications for Human-Environment Health

Cholera is a bacterial disease that is commonly transmitted through contaminated water, leading to severe diarrhea and rapid dehydration that can prove fatal if left untreated. The complexity of the disease spread arises from the convergence of several distinct and interrelated factors, which previous research has often failed to consider. A significant scientific limitation of the existing literature is the simplistic assumption of linear or logistic dynamics of the disease spread, thereby impeding a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of control strategies. Since environmental factors are the most influential determinant of Vibrio bacterial growth in nature and are responsible for the resurgence, propagation, and disappearance of cholera epidemics, we have proposed a S-I-R-S model that combines bacterial dynamics with the Allee effect. This model takes into account the environmental influence and allows for a better understanding of the disease dynamics. Our results have revealed the phenomenon of bi-stability, with backward and forward bifurcation. Furthermore, our findings have demonstrated that the Allee effect provides a robust framework for characterizing fluctuations in bacterial populations and the onset of cholera outbreaks. This framework can be used for assessing the effectiveness of control strategies, including regular environmental sanitation programs, adherence to hygiene protocols, and monitoring of unfavorable weather conditions.