"Aquatic infections from artificial aquatic ecosystems"

Abstract

Artificial aquatic ecosystems are waters of man-made reservoirs found in public and private facilities. They are widely adopted for both hydrotherapies as well as general wellness and recreational purposes. Most of the time, these systems can be integrated and be in harmony with the natural habitat, however they can become an attraction to hundreds of pathogens. According to CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention), the Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the main causes of diarrheal diseases associated with contaminated faeces in recreational waters. Similarly, cooling towers are the main source of transfer of Legionella. The recorded waterborn epidemics associated with artificial aquatic ecosystems prove that the insufficient chlorination of tanks as well as the poor hygiene of the users are major factors for the transmission of diseases. Respiratory and skin infections, Hepatitis (A and E), as well as mild to life-threatening gastroenteritis, are some of the diseases that threaten Public Health.

Since vaccines do not cover all diseases caused by waterborne pathogens, it would be wise to act proactively and to develop control mechanisms for better prevention and early treatment of possible waterborne outbreaks.

MAVROUDI Anastasia