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The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in sand from non-EEC standard and EEC standard designated beaches in different locations in the UK and to assess if potentially pathogenic strains were present. Campylobacter spp. were detected in 82/182 (45%) of sand samples and Salmonella spp. in 10/182 (6%). Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 46/92 (50%) of samples from non-EEC standard beaches and 36/90 (40%) from EEC standard beaches. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was greater in wet sand from both types of beaches but, surprisingly, more than 30% of samples from dry sand also contained these organisms. The major pathogenic species C. jejuni and C. coli were more prevalent in sand from non-EEC standard beaches. In contrast, C. lari and urease positive thermophilic campylobacters, which are associated with seagulls and other migratory birds, were more prevalent in sand from EEC standard beaches. Campylobacter isolates were further characterized by biotyping and serotyping, which confirmed that strains known to be of types associated with human infections were frequently found in sand on bathing beaches.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of legionellae in dental unit waterlines (DUWL) in general dental practices in London and rural Northern Ireland and whether the organism occurs at a high enough frequency and magnitude in DUWL to represent a threat to dentists' health. Materials and method Two hundred and sixty six (166 London, 100 Northern Ireland) randomly selected dental surgeries were recruited. Standardised 250 ml water samples were taken from the DUWL and 1 litre samples from the surgery cold water tap to measure the prevalence of legionellae. The dentists provided a blood sample for legionella serology. Results The prevalence of legionellae was very low (0.37%). Legionellae were not isolated from DUWL or surgery basin taps in Northern Ireland. Legionella spp were isolated from the DUWL and surgery basin of one practice in London and from the cold water supply of a further three practices. The prevalence of Legionella pneumophila antibodies was less than that seen in a comparable group of London blood donors. Conclusion The risk to dentists' health from potential exposure to legionellae in this cohort of dentists was very low and this was confirmed by the very low seroprevalence and antibody titres to legionella detected in the dentists.

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