Water borne Pathogens in fresh water system

Water borne pathogens

1. Water borne pathogens in freshwater system microbiology

2. TOPICS TO PRESENT: HISTORY AND INTRODUCTION SOURCES OF WATERBORNE PATHOGENS TYPES OF WATERBORNE PATHOGENS HEALTH EFFECT OF WATERBORNE PATHOGENS SETECTION AND PREVENTION METHODS CASE STUDIES AND REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

3. HISTORY: Ancient and Pre-Modern Era: Early Civilizations (3000 BCE – 500 CE): Ancient cities like Mohenjo-Daro (Indus Valley) and Rome had early drainage systems, but contaminated water still caused diseases. Hippocrates (460–370 BCE) noted the link between stagnant water and illnesses. The Romans built aqueducts for clean water but still suffered from dysentery and typhoid.

4.  Ancient Waterborne Diseases The Plague of Athens (430 BCE) : Possibly typhoid or dysentery. Roman Epidemics : Lead pipes and contaminated water may have contributed to decline.

5. Middle Ages (500–1500 CE): Poor sanitation in medieval Europe led to frequent cholera and typhoid outbreaks. Contaminated wells and rivers spread diseases like dysentery during wars and famine

6. Early Modern Period (1500–1800s) 1. Cholera Pandemics (19th–20th Century) Origins : Began in the Ganges Delta (India), spreading via trade routes. Major Outbreaks : 1817–1824  (First Pandemic): Spread to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. 1846–1860  (Third Pandemic): Killed over 1 million in Russia; reached the U.S. and Europe. 1854 London Outbreak : John Snow’s map traced cases to the Broad Street pump, proving waterborne transmission. Impact : Led to modern sanitation reforms and epidemiology.

7. Typhoid Fever & "Typhoid Mary" (Early 1900s) Cause :  Salmonella typhi  in contaminated water/food. Famous Case : Mary Mallon ("Typhoid Mary"), an asymptomatic carrier who infected ~50 people in New York (1900s). Breakthroughs : Development of vaccines and improved water testing.

8. The 1854 London Cholera Outbreak (Case Study) John Snow’s Investigation : Used death records to link cholera to a contaminated water pump on Broad Street. Legacy : Birth of disease mapping and public health engineering.

9. Modern Era (20th Century – Present) Scientific Discoveries: Germ theory (Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch) identified waterborne pathogens (e.g.,  Vibrio cholerae ,  Salmonella typhi ). Chlorination (early 1900s) drastically reduced waterborne diseases in developed nations.

10. Global Challenges: Developing countries still face outbreaks (e.g., cholera in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake). Climate change and flooding increase risks of water contamination

11. . Modern Outbreaks (21st Century) 2010 Haiti Cholera Outbreak : Introduced by UN peacekeepers; >10,000 deaths. 2015–2017 Yemen Cholera Crisis : War destroyed sanitation; >1 million cases. Cryptosporidium in Milwaukee (1993) : Parasite in water sickened 400,000+ in the U.S.

12. Major Waterborne Diseases Cholera  – Causes severe diarrhea; linked to poor sanitation. Typhoid Fever  – Spread via  Salmonella typhi  in contaminated water. Dysentery  (Bacterial/Amebic) – Causes bloody diarrhea. Hepatitis A & E  – Viral infections from fecal-contaminated water. Giardiasis & Cryptosporidiosis  – Parasitic infections from unclean water.

13. Public Health Interventions Sanitation Systems  (e.g., sewage treatment). Water Purification  (chlorination, filtration, UV treatment). Vaccines  (e.g., cholera and typhoid vaccines). Global Efforts  (WHO’s clean water initiatives, SDG 6). Despite progress,  2 billion people  still lack safe drinking water today, keeping waterborne diseases a critical global health issue.

14. Sources of waterborne pathogens: INTRODUCTION: Definition of waterborne pathogens “Importance of clean water for public health Brief overview of contamination sources”.

15. Human and Animal Waste Sources: Sewage and untreated wastewaterOpen defecationLeaking septic systems Agricultural runoff (manure). Example: Pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium

16. Contaminated Surface Water Rivers, lakes, ponds, and stagnant waterContamination from wildlife, livestock, and human activities. Example Pathogens: Giardia , Vibrio cholerae , Norovirus

17. Poor Sanitation and Hygiene Open defecation and lack of sanitation facilitiesImproper waste disposalContaminated hands and utensils Example Pathogens: Hepatitis A, Shigella , Rotavirus

18. Floods and Natural Disasters Overflows from sewage systemsWater mixing with waste and pollutantsHigh risk of outbreaks post-disasters. Example Pathogens: Leptospira , Vibrio cholerae , Norovirus

19. Contaminated Drinking Water Source Unsafe wells and boreholesBroken or poorly maintained water supply systemsCross -contamination with sewage lines. Example Pathogens: Legionella , Campylobacter, Giardia

20. Infected Individuals and Carriers People infected with waterborne diseases shedding pathogensPoor hygiene in food preparation and handlingPublic swimming pools and recreational water sources. Example Pathogens: Norovirus , Cryptosporidium, Hepatitis

21. Prevention and Control Measures Improved sanitation and wastewater treatmentProper hygiene practices ( handwashing , safe food handling)Regular monitoring of water sourcesUse of water purification methods (boiling, chlorination, filtration)

22. Types of Waterborne Pathogens Waterborne pathogens are microorganisms that contaminate water sources and cause diseases when ingested or when they come into contact with the human body. These pathogens are categorized into

23. Bacteria Bacterial pathogens are among the most common causes of waterborne diseases. They typically enter water sources through fecal contamination, decaying organic matter, or industrial discharge

24. a) Escherichia coli (E. coli) – Source: Fecal contamination from humans and animals Disease: Gastroenteritis, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) - Symptoms: Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever - Prevention: Boiling water, chlorination, proper sewage treatment.

25. b) Vibrio cholerae - Source: Contaminated food and water, poor sanitation Disease: Cholera Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance. Prevention: Water treatment, sanitation, vaccination.

26. c) Salmonella spp - Source: Contaminated water and food - Disease: Salmonellosis (typhoid fever, gastroenteritis) - Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps - Prevention: Water disinfection, hygiene, proper food handling.

27. 2. Viruses Waterborne viruses are smaller than bacteria and can survive longer in water, often spreading through fecal contamination.

28. a) Rotavirus Source: Fecal contamination of water - Disease: Rotavirus infection (common in children) - Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, fever - Prevention: Vaccination, handwashing , sanitation.

29. b) Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)*- Source: Contaminated water and food - Disease: Hepatitis A Symptoms:Jaundice , fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea - Prevention: Vaccination, sanitation, safe drinking water

30. c) Norovirus Source: Contaminated water and food - *Disease*: Gastroenteritis - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps - Prevention: Hygiene, water disinfection

31. 3. Protozoa Protozoan pathogens are single-celled organisms that survive in water for long periods, often in a cyst form that makes them resistant to standard disinfection methods.

32. a) Giardia lamblia Source: Contaminated surface water, lakes, rivers - Disease: Giardiasis - Symptoms: Diarrhea, bloating, nausea, weight loss - Prevention: Filtration, boiling, chemical disinfection

33. b) Cryptosporidium spp - Source: Fecal contamination, swimming pools, water supplies - Disease: Cryptosporidiosis - Symptoms: Watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever - Prevention: Filtration, ultraviolet (UV) treatment

34. c) Entamoeba histolytica - Source: Contaminated drinking water - Disease: Amoebiasis - Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, liver abscess, weight loss - Prevention: Boiling, chlorination, filtration.

35. Health effect of Pathogens: Escherichia coli (E. coli): - Cause: Ingestion of fecal-contaminated water or undercooked food. - Transmission: Drinking contaminated water, person-to-person spread. - Symptoms: - Watery or bloody diarrhea ,Abdominal cramps , Nausea and vomiting ,Fever (mild to moderate)

36. - Severe Effects: - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)– causes kidney failure, low platelet count, and hemolytic anemia. - Severe dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly. - Treatment: - Hydration therapy (oral or IV fluids). - Avoid antibiotics in cases of E. coli O157:H7, as they may increase the risk of HUS.

37. Vibrio cholerae (Cholera) - Cause: Contaminated water or food, often in areas with poor sanitation. - Transmission: Fecal-oral route. - Symptoms: - Profuse "rice water" diarrhea (up to 1 liter per hour). - Severe dehydration, muscle cramps, sunken eyes. - Severe Effects: - Death within hours if untreated due to hypovolemic shock - Treatment: - Oral rehydration salts (ORS) or IV fluids. - Antibiotics ( doxycycline , azithromycin ) in severe cases.

38. Salmonella spp . ( Salmonellosis & Typhoid Fever) - Cause: Contaminated drinking water or food. - Transmission: Ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. - Symptoms: - Salmonellosis : Diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting. - Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi ): High fever, rose-colored rash, weakness, intestinal bleeding.

39. - Severe Effects: - Sepsis (if bacteria spread to the bloodstream). - Intestinal perforation (in typhoid fever). - Treatment: - Typhoid fever: Treated with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, azithromycin). - Salmonellosis: Usually self-limiting; severe cases require fluids and antibiotics.

40. Shigella spp. (Shigellosis, Bacillary Dysentery) - Cause: Contaminated water, poor hygiene. - Transmission: Fecal-oral spread, especially in crowded places. - Symptoms: - Bloody diarrhea , Severe stomach pain ,Fever and tenesmus (constant urge to defecate) - Severe Effects: Toxic megacolon , seizures in young children. - Treatment: - Rehydration therapy. - Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, azithromycin ) in severe cases.

41. Legionella pneumophila - Cause: Inhalation of contaminated water droplets from cooling towers, hot tubs, and air conditioning systems. - Symptoms: - Severe pneumonia with high fever, cough, and chest pain. - Confusion, muscle aches

42. - severe Effects: - Respiratory failure, septic shock. - Treatment: - Antibiotics ( azithromycin , levofloxacin ). - Oxygen therapy for severe case. VIRAL PATHOGENS

43. Norovirus ("Stomach Flu") - Cause: Contaminated water or surfaces. - Symptoms: - Severe vomiting and diarrhea - Stomach cramps, fever - Severe Effects: - Dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly. - Treatment: - Supportive care (hydration, electrolyte replacement). Hepatitis A Virus ( HAV)

44. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Dark urine, light stools - Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting - Severe Effects: - Acute liver failure (rare). - Treatment: - No specific treatment; supportive care. - Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective for prevention.

45. Rotavirus - Cause: Contaminated water, especially affecting infants. - Symptoms: - Severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever. - Severe Effects: - Severe dehydration death in infants if untreated. - Treatment: - Rehydration therapy. - Rotavirus vaccine prevents infection.

46. PARASITIC PATHOGENS Giardia lamblia ( Giardiasis - Cause: Contaminated water from lakes, rivers, and untreated drinking water. - Symptoms: - Chronic diarrhea with greasy, foul-smelling stools - Bloating, nausea, weight loss - Severe Effects: - Malabsorption , weight loss. - Treatment: - Metronidazole or tinidazole

47. Detection and Prevention Methods from Pathogens: Definition and Importance: Water quality monitoring involves systematically measuring and analyzing physical, chemical, and biological indicators to assess water conditions. It helps in identifying pollutants, understanding trends, and making informed decisions for environmental protection and public health.

48. 1. Physical Monitoring: Temperature : Influences biological activity and chemical reactions. Turbidity : Measures suspended particles affecting water clarity. Conductivity : Indicates the presence of dissolved salts and minerals

49. 2. Chemical Monitoring: pH levels: Reflect acidity or alkalinity, affecting aquatic life. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Essential for aquatic organisms. Nutrients (Nitrates, Phosphates): Excessive levels lead to eutrophication. Heavy Metals and Pesticides: Toxic to humans and wildlife

50. 3. Biological Monitoring Indicator Species (e.g., algae, fish): Assess ecosystem health. Microbial Testing: Detects harmful bacteria and pathogens.

51. Monitoring Technologies: In-situ Sensors: Real-time data collection. Remote Sensing (Satellites and Drones): Large-scale monitoring of water bodies. Laboratory Analysis: Detailed and precise testing of water samples.

52. 2. Water Treatment Technologies Purpose: Water treatment aims to remove contaminants, improve quality, and make water safe for consumption and environmental use .

53. Primary Treatment Methods: 1. Physical Treatment: Filtration: Removes sediments and particulates. Sedimentation and Coagulation: Separates solids from water through gravity and chemical reactions.

54. Chemical Treatment: Chlorination: Disinfects pathogens and bacteria. Ozonation and UV Radiation: Kills microorganisms without adding chemicals.

55. 3. Biological Treatment: Activated Sludge Process: Uses microorganisms to decompose organic matter. Biofilters and Constructed Wetlands: Utilize plants and microbes for natural filtration.

56. 4. Advanced Technologies: Reverse Osmosis: Removes dissolved salts and contaminants through a semi-permeable membrane. Electrochemical Treatment: Breaks down pollutants using electrical currents.

57. Case Study Introduction to Waterborne Diseases Definition: Diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated water.Common pathogens: Cholera, E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Legionella.Sources : Contaminated drinking water, poor sanitation, and flooding.

58. Case Study The Milwaukee Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak1993 Location: Milwaukee, USACause : Contaminated drinking water (Cryptosporidium parasite)Impact: Over 400,000 infected, 69 deaths.Lessons Learned: Need for better water treatment and monitoring.

59. Case Study – Haiti Cholera Outbreak (2010) Cause: Contaminated river (linked to UN peacekeepers’ waste).Impact: Over 800,000 cases, 10,000+ deaths.Key Issues: Poor sanitation infrastructure, disaster aftermath.Response : Water purification, vaccination, and improved sanitation

60. Case Study – Flint Water Crisis (2014-2019, USA) Cause: Lead contamination from aging pipes.Impact : 100,000+ affected, long-term health consequences.Response : Pipe replacements, bottled water distribution, lawsuits.Challenges : Government accountability, public trust.

61. Overview of Prevention Strategies Clean water supply and sanitation.Water treatment (filtration, chlorination, UV purification).Surveillance and early outbreak detection.

62. Case Study – Bangladesh’s Arsenic Mitigation Program Problem: Groundwater arsenic contamination.Solution : Switching to deep wells, filtration systems, and awareness campaigns.Success : Reduction in arsenic exposure, improved health outcomes.

63. : Case Study – Singapore’s NEWater Initiative Challenge: Limited freshwater resources.Solution : Advanced water recycling & desalination.Success : Self-sufficiency in drinking water, high-quality standards.

64. Case Study – South Africa’s Water Quality Monitoring Strategy: Real-time water quality testing.Outcome : Early detection of contamination, rapid intervention .

65. Future Directions & Innovations AI & IoT -based water monitoring.Expansion of water desalination technologies.Strengthening global cooperation & funding for water projects.

66. Ongoing Challenges in Waterborne Disease Prevention Climate change & extreme weather events.Aging infrastructure & maintenance issues.Political and financial constraints.Emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance

67. Conclusion: Combating Waterborne Pathogens – A Global Priority Recap of Key Points : Waterborne pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) cause severe diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Contaminated water and poor sanitation remain major causes of illness, especially in developing nations. Historical outbreaks (e.g., 19th-century cholera pandemics) spurred advancements in epidemiology and sanitation.

68. Ongoing Challenges : 2 billion people  still lack access to safe drinking water (WHO). Climate change and urbanization exacerbate contamination risks (floods, overcrowding). Antimicrobial resistance threatens treatment options for bacterial pathogens. Call to Action : Governments/Policymakers : Invest in infrastructure and surveillance. Communities : Advocate for clean water access and proper waste disposal. Individuals : Practice safe water storage and report contamination risks.

69. Pathways to Progress : Prevention : Improved water treatment (chlorination, filtration), sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene education. Innovation : Rapid diagnostic tools, vaccines (e.g., oral cholera vaccines), and climate-resilient water systems. Global Cooperation : UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) aims for "clean water and sanitation for all" by 2030. Final Thought : "The fight against waterborne diseases is not just a medical challenge—it’s a test of our commitment to equity and public health. By addressing water safety today, we safeguard generations of tomorrow."