Swimming pool deck as environmental reservoir ofFusarium

Abstract

While investigations on fungal contamination of swimming pools usually focus on dermatophytes, data on other potentially pathogenic molds are scarce. Here, we report the investigation of fungal colonization of the deck surrounding a hospital physical therapy swimming pool. Five series of samples from 8 sites were collected over one year from the pool surroundings. Concomitantly, 58 patients using the swimming pool were examined and samples obtained from those with suspected onychomycosis. All surface samples were positive for fungi, with Fusarium the most frequently recovered from 22 of 27 samples of sites surrounding the pool. Among the outpatients evaluated, two presented with a mixed onychomycosis from which Fusarium and Trichophyton rubrum were isolated. The questions of possible acquisition from the swimming pool area must be considered in both cases as the ungual lesions had developed within the previous three months. This warrants further studies to better understand the epidemiology of potentially pathogenic molds in areas surrounding pools in order to adopt appropriate measures to avoid contamination. This is of particular importance within medical institutions, considering the potential role of Fusarium onychomycosis as a starting point for disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients.

Spectrum ofFusariuminfections in tropical dermatology evidenced by multilocus sequencing typing diagnostics

“…Buot et al . listed public swimming pools and bathing facilities as sources of infection. Short et al .…”

Assessment of Microbial Contamination and Physicochemical Condition of Public Swimming Pools in Kashan, Iran

“…In regard to the types of fungal contaminations isolated in the swimming pools, the highest frequency was observed for Aspergillus and the lowest for Rasti S et al Microbial Contamination in Swimming Pools Fuzarium, a condition similar to that which was reported in Italian, Nigerian and Iranian indoor swimming pools (10,(25)(26)(27). Considering the potential role of Fonychomycosis and Aspergillus as a starting point for disseminated infections in immune compromised patients, swimming pools constitute serious problems (28).…”

Activity ofVitis viniferaTendrils Extract Against Phytopathogenic Fungi

“…Moreover Fusarium species are widespread: for example they were recovered from a hospital water system, air and other environments [34]. Fusarium colonization of the deck surrounding a hospital physical therapy swimming pool has been reported by Buot et al [35], and two patients using the pool developed mixed onychomycosis from which Fusarium was isolated. Finally Fusarium species produce mycotoxins such as trichothecenes that can enter the food chain through contaminated cereal grains [36].…”