Waterborne Pathogen Research: Examining Shigella species in Fish Ponds of Uli Community

Abstract

Shigella species are the primary cause of shigellosis, a highly infectious diarrheal disease that poses significant global health concerns due to its widespread impact and potential for outbreaks. This study investigates the prevalence of enteric Shigella species in fish ponds within the Uli community. A cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting samples from various fish-rearing locations using standard microbiological techniques.  The analysis significantly (p ≤ 0.05) revealed the presence of three Shigella dysenteriae strains: SD53, SD07, and SDBU. The distribution of these strains was as follows: 50% SD53, 19.44% SD07, and 30.56% SDBU. Notably, SD53 was the most predominant strain in the samples, and this was statistically significant (p ≤ 0,05) when compared to other strains. The study highlights the presence of diverse Shigella species in fish pond water in Uli community, with SD53 being the most prevalent. Given these findings, community education is recommended as a crucial strategy for controlling the transmission of Shigella species. By raising awareness about the risks and prevention methods, the community can take proactive steps to mitigate the spread of these pathogens. This approach is essential for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of water sources in the community.