Free-living ameba contamination in natural hot springs in Thailand

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2005:36 Suppl 4:5-9.

Abstract

Thermo tolerant free-living ameba, Naegleria spp and Acanthamoeba spp contamination in natural hot springs in Thailand were carried out from 13 provinces. The temperature of hot springs water varied from 28 degrees-65 degrees C and pH from 6-8. We found that 38.2 % (26/68) of water samples were positive, Acanthamoeba was 13.2% (9/68) whilst Naegleria was 35.3% (24/68). Contamination by free-living ameba in natural hot springs may pose a significant health risk to people who use such water for recreation activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acanthamoeba / isolation & purification*
  • Acanthamoeba / pathogenicity
  • Animals
  • Health Resorts
  • Hot Springs / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Naegleria / isolation & purification*
  • Naegleria / pathogenicity
  • Swimming Pools
  • Temperature
  • Thailand
  • Water Pollution / analysis*
  • Water Supply