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

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.

Fungal Infections From Human and Animal Contact

“…In addition to aforementioned items, spread may be aided by clothes, towels, bedding or contaminated furniture/changing rooms, or occur as the result of direct contact. 9,13,[21][22][23] Dermatophytes also have been identified in public baths and swimming pools, 24 and epidemiologic evidence has suggested an association between sources such as swimming pools and infections such as tinea pedis. 14 Dermatophyte foot and toenail infections have been spread in worship spaces and other public environments (eg, locker rooms, fitness centers) where persons remove their shoes.…”

Occupational exposure to fungi in gymnasiums with swimming pools

“…was also the most common, as in a study developed in Italian pools [5]. The 3 isolated species belonging to this genus were F. clamidosporo, F. oxysporum and F. solani, and the latter two are the most common cause of onychomycosis by NDM.…”

“…Concerning yeasts, besides Candida albicans, species of Trichosporon sp. were also identified near the swimming pools [5].…”

Oral Terbinafine and Itraconazole Treatments against Dermatophytes Appear Not to Favor the Establishment of <b><i>Fusarium</i></b> spp. in Nail

“…In relation, Fusarium spp. was frequently and prevalently isolated from the swimming pool area [22,23]. This implies that the acquisition of Fusarium spp.…”