West Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Metabolic Abnormalities, Genetic and Behavioral Risk Factors for Hypertension among Patients Attending Bafoussam Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Hypertension is one of the most public health problems worldwide. More than 60% of the risk factors for hypertension are associated with metabolic disturbances. Literature perusal showed lack of information regarding the risk factors for hypertension in people from the West Region of Cameroon. Therefore, the present study was intended to evaluate the metabolic abnormalities and risk factors for hypertension in patients attending the Bafoussam Regional Hospital in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted within the Bafoussam Regional Hospital on 343 individuals (99 normotensives and 244 hypertensives). Genetic and behavioral risk factors for hypertension were determined through a questionnaire. Hypertension was diagnosed by measuring blood pressure. Cardiac, renal and hepatic biochemical parameters were analysed in blood and urine by methods resulting from commercial kits. Results: Smoking (24.2%), advanced age (90.1%), obesity (33.6%), sedentary lifestyle (56.1%), family history of hypertension (63.9%), hypertriglyceridemia (20.5%), hyperglycemia (36.9%), hypernatremia (30.3%), hyperchloremia (10.7%), glycosuria (11.50%), hypercreatininemia (40.2%) and hypoglycemia (15.6%) were frequent and significantly (p < 0.05) higher among hypertensive individuals as compared to normotensive participants. Hypertensive patients showed low levels of hepatic metabolic abnormalities. Of the 244 hypertensive patients, 40% are complicated by various forms of metabolic abnormalities. Conclusion: Overall, the results of the present study indicate that genetic and behavioral parameters as well as cardiac and renal metabolic disturbances are the main risk factors of hypertension in the study population. Hence, strategies targeting the metabolic pathways may be therapeutic options for improving biochemical abnormalities and reducing blood pressure and risk of complications in metabolic hypertension.

Entomological Assessment of Onchocerca Species Transmission by Black Flies in Selected Communities in the West Region of Cameroon.

The enormity of the public health burden of onchocerciasis motivated the creation of various large-scale control programs that have depended principally on mass treatment of endemic communities with ivermectin for the elimination of the disease. Parasitological evaluation of Onchocerca species in the West Region of Cameroon indicates significant progress in the interruption of parasite transmission in some communities under ivermectin treatment. However, to verify the complete elimination of onchocerciasis, entomological assessment through O-150 PCR poolscreen of black flies is mandatory. Thus, in the present study, we assessed transmission of Onchocerca species using an O-150 PCR technique to screen pools of black flies—in seven onchocerciasis endemic communities (Makouopsap, Bankambe, Lemgo, Tsesse, Ndionzou, Kouffen, and Bayon) in Cameroon. Two thousand black flies were assessed—in each community—for the presence of Onchocerca species DNA. Our results show that the frequency of infective flies was 0.6% in Makouopsap and 0.0% in the other communities. On the other hand, the frequency of infected flies was 0.8% in Makouopsap, 0.2% in Bankambe, 0.1% in Bayon, and 0.0% in Lemgo, Tsesse, Ndionzou, and Kouffen. These results provide entomologic evidence for continuous transmission of Onchocerca species in Makouopsap, risk of active transmission in Bankambe, and Bayon, and a suppressed transmission in the four other studied communities.

Socioeconomic Characteristics and Biosecurity Measures of Fish Farms in the West Region of Cameroon

Socioeconomic Characteristics and Biosecurity Measures of Fish Farms in the West Region of Cameroon

Geohelminth infection, anemia, and malnourishment in Bawa, Cameroon after ten years of intervention by the Bawa Health Initiative

The Bawa Health Initiative (BHI) was established in 2005 with the goal of initiating a comprehensive public health care program in Bawa, a rural village in the West region of Cameroon. Interventions undertaken include a comprehensive helminth control program, provision of water filters, sanitary latrines, insecticide-treated bed nets, and a health education program. Data gathered from citizens of Bawa during Dec 2017, were obtained from the Sophie Awounke Community Health Center in Bawa, Cameroon. These data including prevalence of geohelminth infection, morphometric data, and hemoglobin concentrations were compared to data gathered in previous surveys conducted by BHI in 2007 and 2010 to assess the effectiveness of interventions implemented by the organization. All metrics indicate substantial improvement in the overall health of the citizens of Bawa, evidenced by decreases in the occurrence of anemia, prevalence of malnourished, undernourished and stunted individuals and in the prevalence and intensity of geohelminths. These data strongly suggest that public health interventions implemented by BHI have been effective in reducing the burden of disease and increasing the overall well-being of the citizens of Bawa, Cameroon and surrounding villages.Keywords: Ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infection

Risk Factors Associated with Prevalence of Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Trichomonas vaginalis among Women at the District Hospital of Dschang, West Region, Cameroon.

Background Vaginal or genitourinary infections are a major cause of morbidity, sterility, and increase in the vulnerability to cancers and HIV/AIDS infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaginal infections of C. albicans, G. vaginalis, and T. vaginalis among women in the locality of Dschang, West Region of Cameroon. Method A prospective study was carried out in the District Hospital of Dschang. After obtaining informed consent, one thousand and one (1001) samples of vaginal swabs were collected. Biological diagnosis was carried out on fresh samples, Gram stained, and then cultivated in Sabouraud agar in a Petri dish, in order to isolate and identify the various infectious agents. Results Five hundred and twenty-five (525) women were diagnosed positive, hosting at least one of these microorganisms, making an overall prevalence of 52.44%. Two hundred and fifty-six (256) women (25.57%) were infected with C. albicans, and 171 (17.08%) with G. vaginalis. Ninety-five (9.49%) were infected with both C. albicans and G. vaginalis, 2 (0.20%) with C. albicans and T. vaginalis, and 1 (0.1%) with G. vaginalis and T. vaginalis. Conclusion Drastic measures should be taken in order to improve life styles to regress the frequency of these infections. Results obtained in this study, will help to educate and shed more light on the prevalence of vaginal infections in the West Region of Cameroon.

Tobacco Consumption in Some Traveling Agencies in Bafoussam in West Region Of Cameroon, Associated To Mouth Cytology and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Profile

Tobacco is mostly regarded as one of the primary etiologic factor in causing oral cancer. Its use affects the pattern of maturation in oral mucosal cells and results in changes in the appearance of the tissues. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several pathologic disorders, including oral premalignant and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and assess its effects on oral epithelial cells and oxidant/antioxidant balance in the oral cavities of tobacco consumers in some travelling agencies in Bafoussam West Region Cameroon.&#x0D; A cross sectional study with a total of 120 individuals (divided into two groups; group A (n=55) including non-consumers of tobacco above 21 years old and group B (n=65) including tobacco consumers above 21 years old), voluntarily enrolled in the study. After giving their consents and answering a series of questions from questionnaires, saliva samples and buccal smears were collected from their oral cavities. Buccal smears were stained using Papanicolaou staining technique and the presence of hyperkeratosis, tobacco hyperkeratosis, non-specific inflammatory changes and oral microflora were assessed. [MDA] was determined using the Thiobarbituric acid method. The results showed that male tobacco consumers made 48.3% and most of them were aged between 21-31 years old, while female tobacco consumers made 5.7% of the total sample population. Smoking was the method most used by consumers (41.7%) and 66% of them smoked for more than 10 years while 50% smoked more than 10 sticks of cigarette per day. A statistical significant relationship was found between tobacco consumption and oral epithelial changes (p&lt;0.001). Only tobacco consumers presented with tobacco hyperkeratotic buccal smears (20%) when compared with the control group. A good number of hyperkeratotic buccal smears (39.2%) was found in both the case (17.5) and control (21.7%) groups. 24.1% of the total sample population had normal buccal smears, where 8.3% were consumers and 15.8% were non-consumers. Microorganisms were found on buccal smears of 5.9% of individuals and 9.2% had non-specific inflammatory changes. Between tobacco consumption and salivary [MDA] in saliva of tobacco consumers was significantly higher compared to non-consumers (p&lt;0.001). A strongly positive correlation was found between salivary [MDA] and oral epithelial changes (r=0.204, p=0.026 at 0.05CI). In conclusion, tobacco consumption severely increases the risk for developing oral mucosal proliferative lesions, and the level of oxidative stress in the saliva of individuals in the study population.

Effect of Impregnated Mosquito Bed Nets on the Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Foumban Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon.

Background Malaria is one of the major public health problems in many tropical developing countries including Cameroon. Impregnated mosquito bed nets are one of the control measures put in place by the WHO and adopted by the Cameroon's Ministry of Public Health to fight against malaria in pregnancy. This study was a population-based cross-sectional study that investigated the level of adherence, respondent's knowledge, altitude, and practices toward malaria prevention and control. Methods To investigate this, a sample size of 410 pregnant women who were inhabitants of Foumban Subdivision was examined. Data on net ownership versus usage, pregnancy status, and socioeconomic background were collected using a questionnaire. Parasitological tests for malaria parasites were carried out using peripheral blood samples obtained from finger pricks of the pregnant women for the preparation of thick blood smear and RDTs. Results Two hundred and eighteen tested positive (53.4%) with the highest prevalence occurring during the first trimester (79.6%) and in primigravidae (68.8%). Participants believed that mosquito bed nets can protect them against malaria infection. The highest number (81.0%) of the women who had mosquito nets acquired them during antenatal visits. Among those who possessed nets, 42.7% adhered to sleeping under them and few (50%) experienced problems of sweating, discomfort, and heat. Also, the study revealed a high prevalence rate of 63.8% for those who did not use nets during pregnancy as compared to those who owned and used them. Conclusion The findings indicated that increased access to impregnated mosquito bed nets is required to lower the risk of malaria infection amongst pregnant women. The Cameroon government should improve health education to families within the locality and pursue an integrated approach to fight against mosquitoes during the rainy season.

A Qualitative Examination of Water Access and Related Coping Behaviors to Understand Its Link to Food Insecurity among Rural Households in the West Region in Cameroon.

Food insecurity is a significant public health issue, since it causes malnutrition and engenders millions of deaths every year. A significant association is found between water and food insecurity. However, it remains unclear what are the pathways through which water shortage impacts food insecurity. Hence, a qualitative study was conducted in rural areas in Cameroon to (1) examine water access, its management, and its daily use and (2) investigate common behavior changes and coping strategies adults used in managing limited water availability in their households. Three rounds of focus group discussions and six key informant interviews were conducted with men and women. The results demonstrated that water access was limited, involving long walking distances and making several trips to the water sources. The household size, number of adults vs. children, and presence of storage containers affected water availability and its daily use. To manage limited water, coping behaviors included skipping drinking, changing cooking plans, and recycling water. In conclusion, limited water access increases food insecurity through several pathways. Governments, policy makers, and international organizations should recognize the interwoven link between water and food security. Joint actions and collaborative efforts are needed to improve success and reduce tradeoffs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals # 2 and # 6.

Some Haematological Parameters among Urinary Schistosomiasis-Malaria Coinfected Children in Suburb of Malentouen Health District, West Region Cameroon

Background: Schistosomiasis and Malaria are among the most prevalent afflictions of humans who live in areas of poverty in the developing world. The present study was aimed at determining the socio demographic characteristics and prevalence of schistosomiasis and malaria in children living in Suburb of Malentouen Health District and analyzing the effect of co-infection on haemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume and platelet count.&#x0D; Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to parents or guardians of children attending public primary school in the area. A total of 429 pupils aged 6-15 years old were screened for urinary schistosomiasis and 228 out of the 429 were tested for. Prevalences of the two parasites were calculated; Haemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume and platelets count of the 228 participants were recorded.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of malaria was 26.75%, where as that of schistosomiasis was 43.82%. 31(13.60%) of the participants were co-infected with the two parasites. Mean haemoglobin level obtained was 11.01± 1.19 G/dL, that of MCV was 84.50±5.31/fl and the mean platelet count was 255.13±96.99/µl. In malaria single infected and co-infected participants, low haemoglobin level (c2 = 50.315, p = .000), low MCV (c2 = 27.448, p = .000) and low platelets count (c2 = 37.253, p = .000) were observed with significant variations.&#x0D; Conclusions: The three haematological parameters analysed in this study (Hb, MCV, Platelets count), showed low level or amount in malaria and malaria-schistosomiasis infected participants. Moreover, thrombocytopenia in children in this endemic area may be useful as supportive diagnostic criteria for malaria in case with low level of parasite number.

Resistance Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus and Immunological Status in Pregnant Women at Bafang, West Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus, a facultative aero-anaerobic Gram-positive coccus typically considered normal flora in the human gastrointestinal tract, have increasingly become a major cause of healthcare-associated infections over the past decade. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in immune factors in pregnant women colonized by S. aureus in the town of Bafang, West Region of Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried in antenatal care unit in various health center in Bafang. S. aureus were isolated in stools using specific bacterial culture media. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out using disk diffusion method. Blood was used to measure CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cell lymphocyte counts, white blood cell count, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 measurement using flow cytometry, optical detection and the ELISA solid phase direct sandwich method, respectively.ResultsOut of the 169 patients studied, 76.30% patients were pregnant women and 23.70% were non-pregnant women. S. aureus were isolated in 70.41% participants that is, 78.15% in pregnant and 21.85% in non-pregnant women. The mean age was significantly higher in non-pregnant women (29.38 ± 7.685 years) compared to pregnant women (25.55 ± 5.521 years). CD4 T-cell (574.80 ± 165.94; 754.03 ± 162.28, p < 0.001), were significantly lower in pregnant than non-pregnant women respectively, contrary for CD8 T-cell (333.86 ± 233.04; 250.40 ± 227.75, p = 0.043). S. aureus were significantly more isolated in pregnant women with a CD4 T-cell count between 410 and 625 cells/µl (p < 0.001). S. aureus were more susceptible to imipenem (91.40%), (100%); ciprofloxacin (65.59%), (69.44%); amikacin (96.77%), (100%) and resistant to chloramphenicol (78.49%), doxycycline (64.52%) and cefotaxime (51.61%) in pregnant women. Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant increased multidrug resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) phenotypes in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe present study revealed that, Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant phenotypes should be considered in pregnant women to improve their health care.

Analysis and efficient comparison of ten numerical methods in estimating Weibull parameters for wind energy potential: Application to the city of Bafoussam, Cameroon

Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyze and compare efficiently of 10 (ten) numerical methods namely, the empirical method of Justus (EMJ), the empirical method of Lysen (EML), the method of moments (MoM), the graphical method (GM), the Mabchour’s method (MMab), the energy pattern factor method (EPFM), the maximum likelihood method (MLM), the modified maximum likelihood method (MMLM), the equivalent energy method (EEM), and the alternative maximum likelihood method (AMLM) in order to estimate Weibull parameters for wind energy potential. They were performed by using wind speed data collected in the meteorological station of Bafoussam city, in the west region of Cameroon, in the period from 2007 to 2013. The results of this study obtained from statistical analysis show that the MLM presents relatively more excellent ability throughout the simulation tests, followed by EEM, EPFM and EMJ respectively. They also demonstrated that EEM presented minimum error in estimating the monthly wind power density and that the wind potential of Bafoussam city can be interesting for some applications such as rural electrification and water pumping in agriculture.

English

This study was carried out from January 2018 to March 2019 in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon on the role of farmers organization (FOs) in the strengthening of the technical and organizational capacities of farmers, particularly the case of the Program for the Improvement of Competiveness of Family Agro-pastoral Farms (PCP-ACEFA) and the North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR). The objective of the study was to analyze the role of FOs on the technical and organizational strengthening of the capacities of farmers and the organization in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Secondary sources data were reviewed. Primary source data were obtained directly from the field. Two hundred and eighty (280) farmer members of the farmers’ organisations were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and 7 leaders were interviewed using an interview guide. In addition, direct observations were made. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. The findings showed that the contribution on the development of technical and organisational capacities of the farmers was overall positive as farmers had improved skills in input supply (51.42%), production (38.57%), and market access (27.14%) compared to non-beneficiaries. The contribution on the strengthening of the organisation as a whole was overall positive since it had permitted FOs to respectively employ technical staff (52.85%) and boosted membership (45.71%) and improved group input supplies and group sales in the organisation. This study concluded that farmers’ organizations are pivotal in the strengthening of the technical and organisational capacities of farmers and their organisations. Key words: Contribution, farmers, farmers organisation, technical and organisational, rural development.

Teacher Support and Its Effect on the Development of Motor Abilities by Pupils with Dyspraxia in Primary Schools in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon

The present study examined the effect of teacher support on the development of motor abilities by pupils with dyspraxia. Two specific objectives that centred on tutoring sessions and supplemental training were formulated to guide the study. The sample of the study was made up of twelve pupils in class three and twelve in class four selected from Catholic School (CS) Mutengene in Tiko Sub Division and Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) School Great Soppo in Buea Sub Division, Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Two teachers from each school also took part in this study. A motor ability test was administered to the intervention as well as the control group in order to measure the pupil’s abilities in relation to gross and fine motor skills. Based on comparative pre-test and post-test design with non-randomized experimental and control groups, the results of the study revealed that teacher support had a significant effect on the development of motor abilities by children with dyspraxia. Inadequate teacher support for pupils with dyspraxia was seen to have negative effects on the development of motor skills by children with dyspraxia; hence teachers should use more of enactive instructional strategies when dealing with dyspraxic learners. The schools should also have an all enriching environment for pupils to explore and fully develop their motor skills.

The Impact of Livestock Extension on the Livelihood of Mbororo Fulani Women in the North West Region of Cameroon

Mbororo Fulani women are experiencing transformation in their livelihood through livestock farming. This paper investigates the contributions of livestock farming to the wellbeing of the Mbororo Fulani women of the North West region of Cameroon. Mbororo women in the North West region play different roles to contribute to the growth of the livestock sector in Cameroon but lack technological knowledge and extension services to improve on their livestock activities. The study used primary data gotten through structured questionnaires and secondary data from journals, books and work from other researchers. The simple random sampling was used to select 400 Mbororo women for the study and SPSS was used for data analysis. The study reveals that 61% of Mbororo women are engage in livestock farming. 20.4% of the women keep different categories of livestock extension (sheep, goat, poultry etc). 89% of the women do livestock farming for income generation and as a means to increase proteins needs for their families. Therefore, livestock is an important source of revenue to Mbororo Fulani women in the North West region of Cameroon thus Cameroon government should put more efforts to assist these Mbororo women in livestock farming by providing them with modern innovations through extension services and resources needed to expand on livestock farming.

Habitat and Seasonality Affect Mosquito Community Composition in the West Region of Cameroon.

To identify potential sylvatic, urban and bridge-vectors that can be involved in current or future virus spillover from wild to more urbanised areas, entomological field surveys were conducted in rural, peri-urban and urban areas spanning the rainy and dry seasons in western Cameroon. A total of 2650 mosquitoes belonging to 37 species and eight genera were collected. Mosquito species richness was significantly influenced by the specific combination of the habitat type and the season. The highest species richness was found in the peri-urban area (S = 30, Chao1 = 121 ± 50.63, ACE = 51.97 ± 3.88) during the dry season (S = 28, Chao1 = 64 ± 25.7, ACE = 38.33 ± 3.1). Aedes (Ae.) africanus and Culex (Cx.) moucheti were only found in the rural and peri-urban areas, while Cx. pipiens s.l. and Ae. aegypti were only found in the urban area. Cx. (Culiciomyia) spp., Cx. duttoni and Ae. albopictus were caught in the three habitat types. Importantly, approximately 52% of the mosquito species collected in this study have been implicated in the transmission of diverse arboviruses. This entomological survey provides a catalogue of the different mosquito species that may be involved in the transmission of arboviruses. Further investigations are needed to study the vectorial capacity of each mosquito species in arbovirus transmission.

Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer at Two District Health Centres in the West Region of Cameroon

We evaluated the knowledge and practices of the female population towards the prevention of cervical cancer in the city of Bafoussam, West Cameroon, considering that poor awareness about the disease and its prevention drives its progression in Africa.

Market Gardening and Poverty Reduction in Jakiri Subdivision North West Region Cameroon

Poverty reduction has been one of the main objectives of major international organisations like FAO, World Bank, UNICEF and governments’ especially those of Africa. This study contributes to the fight against poverty through the analysis of market gardening as a strategy to poverty reduction in the Jakiri municipality. Data were collected through household interview, focus group discussion, interview of personnel of the ministry of agriculture and rural development, councils, religious heads and local chiefs) and field observations. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, correlation and regression. The findings revealed that 73% of the market gardeners in Jakiri subdivision did not attend secondary school, lack skills to compete for jobs in urban areas. Agriculture particularly market gardening was their major source of income generating activity as more than 75% of the household income comes from market gardening. Also, more than 80% of what is produced is sold. Moreover, 90% of the gardeners in Jakiri subdivision think that if government could help them improve on their productivity their livelihoods will improve and this will take them out of poverty. There are high expectations that the income and the number of market gardeners will rise over time and space. This can be seen by the number of farmers involved and their earning where more than 70% earn from 1,000,000FCFA and above per year, an average of 83,334FCFA and above per month. Targeted marketing development strategies need to be followed by market gardeners and various stakeholders in Jakiri to better exploit the economic potential of these crops and at the same time maintaining its contributions to the local crop diversity.

Access to safe Drinking Water and Sanitary Risks in the Town of Bangangté (West Region of Cameroon)

Access to safe Drinking Water and Sanitary Risks in the Town of Bangangté (West Region of Cameroon)

Heterogeneous Nutrient Sources Exhibit Varying Associations of Vegetative and Reproductive Parameters of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of vegetative and reproductive parameters of Irish potato from different organic and inorganic nutrient sources The study was done in the west region of Cameroon, specifically in Bougham, a village in the western highlands. The seeds were sown on the 4th of May 2016. Harvesting was done in August 2016. A total area of 250m2 was cleared and prepared in to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Each block was divided into nine ridges. Eight fertilizer treatments: inorganic (NPK 15:1515, NPK 11:11:22), organic (Pig dropping, Poultry dropping), composite (four bi-combinations of the animal and NPK-based fertilizer) and a control treatment were randomly assigned to each ridge per block. General agronomic practices were adopted from local farmers. Data were collected on vegetative and reproductive parameters. Correlation analysis was also evaluated between parameters. This was followed by principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Principal components were selected based on eigen value criteria – a component was selected if its eigen value was greater than 1. All analyses were done using PAST (ver. 3.26b) Analysis revealed significant correlations between some vegetative and reproductive parameters notably between emergence and plant height (r = 0.45, P &lt; 0.05), emergence and plant harvested (r = 0.867, P &lt; 0.05), and between plant cover and plant height (r = 0.546, P &lt; 0.05). According to the eigen value criteria (eigen value &gt; 1.0), 4 principal components were retained from organic and inorganic nutrient sources each, and 3 principal components were retained from composite nutrient source. Reproductive parameters were more aggregated in the first principal component for organic nutrient source, accounting for 35.87% of all variations while they were more aggregated in the second principal component (25.61%) from inorganic nutrient sources. From the composite nutrient source, the reproductive and vegetative parameters were almost equally distributed between the first (31.80%) and second (27.82%) principal components. In this study, that varied nutrient sources (organic. Inorganic and composite) affects Irish potato differently. Consequently, both organic and inorganic nutrient sources should be seen as synergistic and not mutually exclusive for holistic production of Irish potato.

Microbiological quality of water sources in the West region of Cameroon: quantitative detection of total coliforms using Micro Biological Survey method

BackgroundAdequate supply of safe drinking-water remains a critical issue in most developing countries. The whole western region of Cameroon doesn’t have a sustainable continuous water supply system, which leads most people to use potentially contaminated water sources to meet their daily water needs. Previous, studies carried out in similar areas of Cameroon have highlighted the poor bacteriological quality of water sources used as drinking-water by the local populations.MethodsThis study used the Micro Biological Survey method, a rapid colorimetric test for the quantitative detection of Coliforms in water samples. 22 water sources (12 improved and 10 unimproved) were identified; 1 water sample of 50 ml was collected in sterile plastic tubes, immediately kept in a refrigerator box and transported to the laboratory for analysis. 1 ml of each sample was inoculated in the Coliforms Micro Biological Survey (Coli MBS) vials initially rehydrated with 10 ml of sterile distilled water. The Coli MBS vials were closed, shaken for about 30 s for homogenization and then incubated at 37 °C. From the initial red color of the Coli MBS vials, changes in color of the reaction vials were monitored at three different time intervals (12 h, 19 h and 24 h), corresponding to three levels of contamination.ResultsThe average distance (8.7 m) of the latrines from the nearest water source was less than the minimal recommended distance (15 m) to ovoid external contamination. The pH of water samples ranged from 5.5 to 8.3 and the maximum temperature found (26 °C) was almost at level favorable to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. The presence of Total Coliforms was detected in 90.91% of the samples. 40% of samples were positive 12 h after the analysis beginning. High level of contamination was observed in unimproved water sources, 50% after 12 h corresponding to Total Coliforms concentration of 10 < x < 103 CFU/ml and the other samples after 19 h (Total Coliforms concentration: 1 < x < 10 CFU/ml).ConclusionThis study revealed the poor microbiological quality of water used by local populations of our study sites. There is need to conduct further qualitative microbiology studies to isolate potential germs involved in outcome of diarrheal diseases.