ABSTRACT
Waterborne diseases can have different origins, micro-organisms such as bacteria and parasites being the most important ones. In this study, two recreational aquatic environments were studied in the province of Salta, Argentina. Water samples collected from three different locations, two from a creek and one from the outlet of a thermal complex, were monitored at four time points. Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of each point was conducted, as well as a search for parasites and amebae. Parasites were identified through optical microscopy observations and free-living amebae (FLA) were isolated by spiking in Petri dishes followed by subsequent molecular identification. Water samples from the outlet of the thermal complex showed different physicochemical characteristics from those of the creek. Bacterial indicators of contamination were detected at all points; however, the creek water had a significantly higher concentration of Pseudomonas sp. Sporadically, creek samples exhibited Ascaris spp. eggs, Giardia sp. cysts, and ancylostomid eggs. The presence of FLA was observed in all samples, 15 of which were isolated and identified as Acanthamoeba sp., mostly belonging to the T4 genotype. Parasite surveillance in recreational aquatic environments is an important complement to traditional microbial indicators for assessing water quality. The identified parasites represent a potential health risk for people using these environments.
Subject(s)
Recreation , Argentina , Animals , Humans , Water Microbiology , Fresh Water/parasitology , Fresh Water/microbiology , Parasites/isolation & purification , Parasites/classificationABSTRACT
El presente trabajo es una recopilación de diferentes investigaciones realizadas por la misma autora, desde al año 2005 al 2008 en localidades termales ubicadas en las cercanías de la ciudad de Potosí - Bolivia, (Tarapaya, Miraflores, Chaqui y Don Diego). Los objetivos fueron evaluar la presencia de fluorosis dental, caries dental, hábitos higiénicos-alimenticios en escolares de estas regiones. Se determinó caries dental con el índice CPO-D, para Tarapaya 0.75, Miraflores 1.4, Chaqui 0.8, Don Diego 2.29. En el índice ceo-d se ubicó 4.7 Tarapaya, Miraflores 5.7, Chaqui 4.4 y Don Diego 3.69. Se estableció fluorosis dental con el índice de Dean. En Chaqui se encontró en dientes permanentes hasta el grado 4 (8,1%) y en piezas temporales no se evidenció. No se encontró fluorosis en Tarapaya ni Miraflores. En relación al consumo de alimentos con contenido de calcio, hidratos de carbono y azúcar refinada, la mayoría, sí consumen. Con referencia al consumo de aguas termales, no se realiza en Tarapaya, es escaso en Miraflores, en Chaqui y Don Diego el consumo es mixto. Se recomienda la implementación de un Programa de atención primaria en salud para caries y fluorosis dental. Asimismo ampliar el estudio de análisis químico de flúor en aguas en todas sus fuentes.
The present work is a compilation of different research projects made by the same author, from 2005 to 2008 in thermal localities placed near Potosí - Bolivia (Tarapaya, Miraflores, Chaquí and Don Diego). The objectives were to evaluate the presence of dental fluorosis, dental cavities, hygiene - nourishing habits in schoolboys and schoolgirls from these regions. The dental caries indexesusing DMFT was for Tarapaya 0.75, Miraflores 1.4. Chaquí 0.8, Don Diego 2.29. in the index dmft was 4.7 Tarapaya, Miraflores 5.7, Chaquí 4.4 and Don Diego 3.69. Dental fluorosis was established with the Dean index. In Chaquí it was found grade 5 (6,5%) in permanent teeth and grade 2 (1,6%), in temporal teeth till and it was not demonstrated in primary teeth. Fluorosis was found neither in Tarapaya nor in Miraflores. There was a relation between nourishing and the content of calcium, carbohydrates and refined sugar. Consumption of thermal water was limited to Miraflores and it was nor consumed in Tarapaya, in Chaquí and Don Diego the consumption was mixed. Its is recommended the implementation of a program for primary health attention for dental caries and dental fluorosis. This study should be completed with chemical analysis of fluoride in the water.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adolescent , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Thermal Water , Dental Care for Children , Dental Caries , Eating , Fluorosis, Dental , Oral Hygiene , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Se determinó la presencia de amibas de vida libre, y la calidad microbiológica de las aguas para la recreación del parque “Las Cocuizas” en Maracay, Venezuela, en 30 muestras de agua captadas en diferentes lugares dentro del parque. Se investigó la presencia de amibas de vida libre y otros parásitos mediante exámenes directo y por coloración. También se determinaron los recuentos de aerobios mesófilos, coliformes totales y fecales. Se observó la presencia de formas parasitarias en 15 del total de las 30 muestras; en 8 se visualizaron formas compatibles con Naegleria fowleri y en las 7 restantes otros parásitos. Del total de las muestras 37,0 % reveló un número más probable de coliformes fecales superior a 200/100 mL-1 y 33,3 % mostró contaminación fecal activa con Escherichia coli. Se evidenció que existe riesgo de contaminación por diversos microorganismos patógenos transmitidos por el agua y esto puede ser peligroso para los usuarios del parque.
The objective of this study was to determine the presence of free-living amoebae and the microbiological quality of the recreational waters of Cocuizas Park in Maracay, Venezuela. Thirty samples taken from different park sites were analyzed. The presence of free-living amoebae and other parasitic was detected by fresh mounts and specific parasitic stain slides. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria and total faecal Coliforms were also determined. Parasitic forms were observed in 15 of the 30 samples that were analyzed. Forms compatible with Naegleria fowleri were seen in eight of the samples; other parasites were observed in the remaining seven samples. 37% of the samples revealed faecal coliforms above 200/100 mL-1 and 33,3% showed an active Escherichia coli faecal contamination. These results show risk of human infection by several water-borne pathogenic microorganisms, which could be dangerous for users of the park.