keeping of livestock near the premises (Coroler et al., 1996). Our study
observed PA in sachet brands with both positive and negative
reputations, including brands produced in very hygienic,
industrially-controlled conditions that virtually eliminate human
contact. The presence of PA in the absence of fecal contamination
may be associated with biofilm growth within the manufacturing
line itself, rather than the raw water which is generally treated by
some combination of reverse osmosis, microfiltration, or ultraviolet
light, and may indicate the ability of other opportunistic pathogens
to persist within the production line