Pools and Pathogens: What You Need to Know

Course overview

Cryptosporidium and Giardia, the first and second top pathogens associated with recreational water illnesses, are genera of fecally transmitted protozoan parasites that have been linked to outbreaks of GI illnesses from swimming pools and water parks. These common intestinal parasites can withstand chlorine disinfection for a considerable length of time. With Cryptosporidium, one fecal accident can pollute all of the water in a pool and swallowing a few mouthfuls of water can result in an infection. With Giardia, swallowing as few as 10 oocysts (the infectious form) can cause an infection. Fecal accidents are not uncommon in pools. Even in the absence of accidents, a swimmer may have up to 0.14 g of feces present in his/her gluteal fold (butt crack). This amount can climb as high as 10 g among young children. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the third top pathogen associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and water slides. Pseudomonas is transmitted when skin comes into contact with contaminated water. It can cause a skin infection referred to as hot-tub folliculitis. Healthcare professionals of various disciplines need to be informed about the pathogens found swimming in public pools, signs and symptoms associated with them, treatments available, and preventive measures.