Swimming pools and fungi: An environmental epidemiology survey in Italian indoor swimming facilities

G. Brandi; M. Sisti; A. Paparini; G. Gianfranceschi; G.F. Schiavano; M. De Santi; D. Santoni; V. Magini; V. Romano-Spica

doi:10.1080/09603120701254862

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Swimming pools and fungi: An environmental epidemiology survey in Italian indoor swimming facilities

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Swimming pools and fungi: An environmental epidemiology survey in Italian indoor swimming facilities

G. Brandi, M. Sisti, A. Paparini, G. Gianfranceschi, G.F. Schiavano, M. De Santi, D. Santoni, V. Magini and V. Romano-Spica

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Vol.17(3), pp.197-206

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09603120701254862

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Abstract

A growing number of people attend swimming facilities for recreational activities, rehabilitative treatments, or sport. Filamentous fungi and yeast can be isolated from contaminated air, water and surfaces and may represent a biological risk for employees and users. Here we investigated the occurrence of mycotic species, in a sample of Italian swimming pools (n = 10). Detection and identification of isolated species were achieved by cultural and morphological methods. Results revealed moderate mycotic titres and a high biodiversity. Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp. and Alternaria sp., were constantly detected in air and surfaces sampled by the swimming area, while pathogenic yeast Candida albicans was never detected. Fusarium spp. was the most common taxon isolated from surfaces. For one facility, we typed the genotypic profiles and studied, by genetic typing, the spatial and temporal distribution of isolates. Phylogenetic relationships between species were analysed by alignment of small ribosomal subunit RNA sequences.

Details

Title: Swimming pools and fungi: An environmental epidemiology survey in Italian indoor swimming facilities
Authors/Creators: G. Brandi (Author/Creator) - University of Urbino
M. Sisti (Author/Creator) - University of Urbino
A. Paparini (Author/Creator) - Department of Health Sciences, Public Health Unit , University of Movement Sciences (IUSM) , Rome, Italy
G. Gianfranceschi (Author/Creator) - Department of Health Sciences, Public Health Unit , University of Movement Sciences (IUSM) , Rome, Italy
G.F. Schiavano (Author/Creator) - University of Urbino
M. De Santi (Author/Creator) - University of Urbino
D. Santoni (Author/Creator) - Department of Health Sciences, Public Health Unit , University of Movement Sciences (IUSM) , Rome, Italy
V. Magini (Author/Creator) - Department of Health Sciences, Public Health Unit , University of Movement Sciences (IUSM) , Rome, Italy
V. Romano-Spica (Author/Creator) - Department of Health Sciences, Public Health Unit , University of Movement Sciences (IUSM) , Rome, Italy
Publication Details: International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Vol.17(3), pp.197-206
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Identifiers: 991005544399607891
Copyright: © 2007 Taylor & Francis.
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.148 Medical Mycology; 1.148.1326 Dermatophyte Infections
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology