Cryptosporidium sp. in public swimming pools in Barcelona

Abstract

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"MENOR QUE"0.05) (¿2=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 m3), 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