Occurrence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma in surface waters in the area of Cracow

Despite some knowledge on the risks from exposure to intestinal parasitic protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma, no occurrence studies of these protozoa were conducted in Cracow area. Therefore, the purpose of the work was to examine the presence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma in surface water samples including intakes and recreational waters. The study showed that the vast majority of water samples were positive for Cryptosporidium sp., and some of the samples were positive for Giardia intestinalis. None of the tested water samples showed the presence of Toxoplasma. Given the limitations of the research methods used and the limits of detection, these results indicated that the concentration of protozoan cysts/oocysts may range from <1 to dozens oocysts/cysts per liter of water. These concentrations are comparable to the values given in reports of major worldwide outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis, which indicating a need to further investigate Cracow's surface waters

Occurrence of rotawiruses in water environment

Rotaviruses are amongst the most dangerous enteric microorganisms. The mortality rate due to rotaviral infections all over the world varies from four to five million deaths every year. Rotaviruses are responsible for the occurrence of severe diarrhea, which is particularly dangerous in infants, young children, elderly subjects and transplant patients. The reported study concentrates on two major items: the environment where rotaviruses are detected (untreated and treated sewage, sewage sludge, surface water, groundwater, water used for recreational needs, drinking water), and the pathway of rotavirus migration from the source of contamination to the system of tap water supply. Of the waterborne enteric viruses, rotaviruses are characterized by the highest infectivity. And this calls for special precautions and safety measures, primarily for a strict hygiene regimen, for efficacious disinfectants, and for the application of efficient sewage treatment trains. A prerequisite to achieve these goals is to make the public alert to any possible dangers resulting from rotaviral infections