Detection Of Pathogenic Human Adenoviruses And Enteroviruses In Water Samples Collected From Lake Victoria Along Homa Bay Town, Homa Bay County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Lake Victoria is the main source of water in Homa Bay town as well as the surrounding community. Increase in population in the resent past has led to intensified human activities with a possible compromise on the sanitation standards around the town consequently resulting into increased fecal load to the lake through fecal pollution. Increased fecal contamination of the lake has consequently led to an increase in pathogenic microorganisms including waterborne enteric viruses. These viruses can affect both human and animals health by causing diseases such as gastrointestinal infections. Research on viral water quality in Lake Victoria is limited. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of these pathogenic enteric viruses with respect to human adenoviruses and enteroviruses in Lake Victoria Waters. Factors that may have influenced the levels of contamination of the lake water by the viruses such as physical water parameters, seasonal variations, proximity to sewage effluent and pit latrines were assessed. Water samples were collected from six sites commonly used for domestic and commercial purposes spanning approximately 3 km along the shoreline for analysis for the presence or absence of the two groups of enteric viruses over a seven month period. A total of 216 water samples were analysed for possible contamination with the viruses using nested PCR method. Paired t test, ANOVA, Odds Ratios, Correlation and Regression analysis (STATA ver.13.0) were performed to determine factors associated with the virus contamination of the waters. P-values