Yeasts and Yeast-Like Fungal Contaminants of Water Used for Domestic Purposes in Jos, Nigeria

Water used for domestic purposes is ideally required to be free from contaminants. Various contaminants have frequently affected the quality of such water. Water samples were obtained from 150 sources including 72 wells, 60 streams, 17 taps, and one borehole, randomly selected from five residential areas in Jos, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires and one-to-one interview was used to obtain information on features of location and use of facilities in each area. Eighty (53.3%) water sources were contaminated, predominantly wells (70.8%). The locations (identified in code) with the highest number of contaminated sources were AGO (60.0%), GBU (56.7%) and FGD (56.7%). AGD and FGD also had the highest ratio of households to one water source (25:1). Eighty-two fungi were isolated, predominantly Candida tropicalis (23.2%), Candida lipolytica (10.9%) and Rhodotorula sp (9.7%). Candida lipolytica was the highest (42.9%) contaminant in tap water. Rhodotorula sp was found in all types of water sources sampled. Type of water source had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the presence of some fungi in the water. The residential area (Location) had a significant effect on contamination of water sources by some yeasts. Water sources for domestic use in Jos are contaminated by yeasts and yeast-like fungi. Frequency of use, exposure of the facility to dirt, and contaminations of surroundings contribute to the occurrence of fungi in water sources and, by implication, the prevalence of fungal infections.