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Viable blastocystis cysts in Scottish and Malaysian sewage samples
1Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW, Scotland.
Abstract:
Blastocystis cysts were detected in 38% (47/123) (37 Scottish, 17 Malaysian) of sewage treatment works. Fifty percent of influents (29% Scottish, 76% Malaysian) and 28% of effluents (9% Scottish, 60% Malaysian) contained viable cysts. Viable cysts, discharged in effluent, provide further evidence for the potential for waterborne transmission of Blastocystis.
Insights
Blastocystis cysts are common in sewage treatment works, with viable cysts found in both influents and effluents. This suggests a potential risk for waterborne transmission of Blastocystis through wastewater discharge.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality analysis
- Parasitology
Background:
- Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals.
- Wastewater treatment plants can act as a reservoir and disseminator of various pathogens.
- Understanding the prevalence of Blastocystis in wastewater is crucial for assessing waterborne transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and viability of Blastocystis cysts in sewage treatment works.
- To compare the prevalence of Blastocystis in influents and effluents across different geographical locations (Scotland and Malaysia).
- To evaluate the potential for waterborne transmission of Blastocystis from wastewater.
Main Methods:
- Detection of Blastocystis cysts in sewage samples from treatment works.
- Assessment of cyst viability.
- Comparison of prevalence data between influents and effluents.
- Geographical comparison between Scottish and Malaysian samples.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis cysts were detected in 38% of the sewage treatment works examined.
- Viable cysts were found in 50% of influents and 28% of effluents.
- Significant differences in prevalence were observed between Scottish (lower) and Malaysian (higher) samples.
- The presence of viable cysts in effluent indicates potential discharge into the environment.
Conclusions:
- Sewage treatment works harbor Blastocystis cysts, with a notable percentage being viable.
- The discharge of viable Blastocystis cysts in effluent poses a risk for waterborne transmission.
- Geographical variations in prevalence highlight the need for location-specific risk assessments.
