Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for O157: H7 Via Drinking Water in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Overview

Journal SAGE Open Med

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Jun 7

PMID 38846513

Authors

Samer Abuzerr

Mahdi Hadi

Kate Zinszer

Simin Nasseri

Masud Yunesian

Amir Hossein Mahvi

Ramin Nabizadeh

Shimels Hussien Mohammed

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Microbial contamination of drinking water, particularly by pathogens such as O157: H7, is a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in regions with limited access to clean water like the Gaza Strip. However, few studies have quantified the disease burden associated with O157: H7 contamination in such challenging water management contexts.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment to estimate the annual infection risk and disease burden attributed to O157: H7 in Gaza's drinking water.

Methods: Applying the typical four steps of the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment technique-hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response analysis, and risk characterization-the study assessed the microbial risk associated with O157: H7 contamination in Gaza's drinking water supply. A total of 1317 water samples from various sources across Gaza were collected and analyzed for the presence of O157: H7. Using Microsoft ExcelTM and @RISKTM software, a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment model was constructed to quantify the risk of infection associated with O157: H7 contamination. Monte Carlo simulation techniques were employed to assess uncertainty surrounding input variables and generate probabilistic estimates of infection risk and disease burden.

Results: Analysis of the water samples revealed the presence of O157: H7 in 6.9% of samples, with mean, standard deviation, and maximum values of 1.97, 9.74, and 112 MPN/100 ml, respectively. The risk model estimated a median infection risk of 3.21 × 10-01 per person per year and a median disease burden of 3.21 × 10-01 Disability-Adjusted Life Years per person per year, significantly exceeding acceptable thresholds set by the WHO.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the urgent need for proactive strategies to mitigate public health risks associated with waterborne pathogens in Gaza.

Citing Articles

Healthcare collapse and disease spread: a qualitative study of challenges in Gaza strip.

Abuzerr S, Zinszer K, Mahmoud H BMC Public Health. 2025; 25(1):589.

PMID: 39939949 PMC: 11823010. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21817-1.

The burden of acute malnutrition among children under five in conflict-afflicted Gaza strip: prevalence and associated factors.

Albelbeisi A, Zinszer K, El Bilbeisi A, Abuzerr S Front Nutr. 2024; 11:1478485.

PMID: 39664912 PMC: 11631592. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1478485.

Assessment of Health and Well-Being Effects Associated With the Challenging Drinking Water Situation in the Gaza Strip: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Household Survey Study.

Brugger C, Dietler D, Abu Hamad B, van Gastel T, Sittaro F, Rossi R JMIR Res Protoc. 2024; 13:e63415.

PMID: 39612204 PMC: 11645501. DOI: 10.2196/63415.

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