Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in water for human consumption from water wells (jagüeyes) in the rural area of the municipality of Sincelejo

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is an orally-transmitted zoonosis that may appear after consuming food contaminated with any infective form of Toxoplasma gondii. Its transmission by water has been reported in several countries including Colombia. The rural population of Sincelejo could be at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis through this route given that they lack potable water. Objective: To evaluate T. gondii contamination in water for human consumption from water wells (jagüeyes) in the rural area of Sincelejo and establish its relationship with different social determinants of health in the study area. Materials and methods: Using nested PCR we evaluated 96 water samples obtained from 48 farms located in eight rural townships in Sincelejo. We took two samples in each farm: one of raw water from water wells and the other intended for direct consumption. We conducted a survey on each farm to collect information on the physical characteristics of dwellings, the presence of cats, and the availability and uses of water. Statistical relationships were evaluated through Fisher tests. Results: Of the 96 samples analyzed, 13 were contaminated with T. gondii (13.5%): Nine corresponded to raw water and four to water for direct consumption. No statistical association was found between the positive samples and the social determinants of health under evaluation (p>0.05). Conclusion: The rural population of Sincelejo could be at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis through the use and/or consumption of water from its water wells. The contamination of these water bodies by T. gondii may be influenced by unstudied social determinants.