Cryptosporidium sp . in public swimming pools in Barcelona

The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in swimming pools in Barcelona was studied. The possible influence of the different parameters related to water conditions, pool structure and users has also been analyzed. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 54% of the swimming pools analyzed and in 85% of the sport centers checked. Oocysts concentrations ranged from 0 to 30 oocysts/L. Among parameters related to water conditions, there was no relationship between oocyst presence and water pH, but the influence of temperature was statistically significant (p<0.05) (χ=0.024). Among parameters related to pool structure, the filter backwash water samples revealed a higher percentage of parasitation (58.8%) than the prefilter ones (42.9%). With the medium volume pools (100-500 m), the percentage was higher (80%). Covered and uncovered pools presented similar prevalences for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Looking at two of the user related parameters, swimming pools with more users and children’s swimming pools showed Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. M.S. Gómez, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Barcelona. Avda Joan XXIII s/n Barcelona, Spain. E-mail: [email protected] Ma Soledad Gómez et al. 276 highest presence of oocysts, 75% and 66.7% respectively. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in all the studied neighborhoods, and this factor exerted a statistically significant influence on the concentration of oocysts (p<0.05) (χ=0.021).