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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40142513 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13030620

Anthropogenic from Drinking Well and Coastal Water in Guinea-Bissau (West Africa).

Microorganisms 13(3)

Authors: Sara Gomes-Gonçalves, Ana Machado, Adriano Bordalo, João R Mesquita

Affiliations

  • ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
  • ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
  • CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
  • ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.

Abstract

This study provides the first comprehensive investigation of sp. contamination in the drinking well and coastal water sources in Guinea-Bissau, a region grappling with severe water quality challenges. Of the forty-five water samples analyzed (34 well and 9 coastal water sources), sp. was detected in five (11%, 95% CI: 3.71-24.05) of the wells, which serve as a critical and primary drinking source for local communities. The detection of human-associated sp. subtype (ST)2 and ST3 raises concerns about the potential of fecal contamination as a transmission route for sp., underscoring the public health risks associated with an inadequate WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) infrastructure. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved water management and further research on waterborne parasitic infections in resource-limited settings.

MeSH

Water Resources, Drinking