Microfungi Potentially Pathogenic for Humans Reported in Surface Waters Utilized for Recreation

Abstract

Fungal infections are commonly reported among outdoor bathers. Recreational water reservoirs are an important element of the mycosis epidemiological chain in the biosphere because they can be a source of fungi from municipal wastes, of asymptomatic carriers or bathers carrying mycoses. Yeast‐like fungi and moulds were isolated from samples of four surface water baths and five swimming pools in 2011–2012. Membrane filters and standard laboratory‐based protocols were used to identify the isolated fungi. In total, 51 saprotrophic and potentially pathogenic species classified in the biosafety level‐2 group were found. In one of the eutrophic lakes, a positive correlation was observed between the frequency of trading and the presence of coliform yeasts, while in the second, a correlation was found between the number of species of fungi and the presence of faecal streptococci. In swimming pool waters, the key factors that determined higher numbers of fungi were increased temperature, followed by low concentrations of chlorine ions. Together with the bacteriological and physicochemical analysis, constant mycological monitoring of recreational water (lake pools and swimming pools) should be a standard inspection element to reduce sanitary and epidemiologic risks to people using these water reservoirs for recreational purposes.