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A Modified EPA Method 1623 that Uses Tangential Flow Hollow-fiber Ultrafiltration and Heat Dissociation Steps to Detect Waterborne Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp.
12:11

A Modified EPA Method 1623 that Uses Tangential Flow Hollow-fiber Ultrafiltration and Heat Dissociation Steps to Detect Waterborne Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp.

Published on: July 9, 2012

Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with a swimming pool in Andover

T Sundkvist1, M Dryden, R Gabb

  • 1PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London. Torbjorn@elcha.co.uk

Communicable Disease Report. CDR Review
|December 12, 1997
PubMed

Insights

A 1996 swimming pool outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Hampshire was linked to pool use. Case control studies confirmed the association, highlighting pools as potential infection sources even in small outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • An outbreak of eight cryptosporidiosis cases occurred in Hampshire over eight weeks in summer 1996.
  • The outbreak was suspected to be linked to a single swimming pool facility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the source of the cryptosporidiosis outbreak.
  • To determine the association between swimming pool use and cryptosporidiosis infection.

Main Methods:

  • Environmental sampling of the swimming pool backwash for Cryptosporidial oocysts.
  • Detection of Enterobius ova in pool samples, indicating fecal contamination.
  • A case control study involving the first four primary cases to assess risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidial oocysts were not detected in the swimming pool backwash samples.
  • Enterobius ova were identified, confirming fecal contamination of the pool.
  • The case control study indicated a significant association between immersion in the swimming pool and infection.

Conclusions:

  • Swimming pools can be a source of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks.
  • Case control studies are valuable for identifying infection sources, even in small-scale outbreaks.
  • Faecal contamination in swimming pools poses a public health risk.

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