Mini Review
Is the water that you are drinking Kosher?
The laboratory (Prof. Meiring, Solomons and partners; pathologists), serves 3 areas; viz; the east rand, Hartebeespoort and
Umhlanga.
A comparative study was done comparing full blood counts urine analysis etc. in the 3 areas. One of the interesting findings found
was that infections specifically urinary tract infections were more prevalent in the Hartebeespoort areas.
Generally speaking patients from this area had a higher white cell count than the other 2 areas. One of the reasons for this may be
the contaminated water and general pollution in the area. Urine for MC and S (Micro Culture and Sensitivity) showed Proteus
Mirabilis and strep. Faecalis amongst other infections. But generally speaking there were more infections in the Hartebeespoort
area. The drinking water itself may in fact be contaminated in the area. A double-blinded randomized trial done in the area showed
more viral and bacterial infections in the area. The water in the Hartebeespoort area appears to be contaminated with E. Coli
(Escheria Coli) which seems to live symbiotically with the algae that contaminates the dam. The white cell series showed a right
shift with toxic granulation and Dohle Bodies .this would support a diagnosis of a bacterial infection in addition generally speaking
the lymphocyte counts and number of atypical or activated lymphocytes was also increased .This would also suggest an increase in
viral infections in the area. In most cases this was just generally due to the influenza virus. But there also appeared to be an increase
in Infectious Lymphocytosis or glandular fever in the area. This was confirmed by means of Paul Bunnel tests and Monospot assays.
Viral titres of Ebstein-Barr viral studies confirmed this in the area. In addition ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and CRP’s
(C-Reactive Protein) were elevated .This would confirm and enhance the theory of the Hartebeespoort Dam area being a no go zone
area. Just generally the people in this area feel lethargic and have no energy.
This is consistent with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, yuppie flu or myalgoencephalomyelitis. The water appears to be
contaminated and pollution is greater in this area. It could be a global warming or greenhouse effect.