Cryptosporidiosis and filtration of water from Loch Lomond, Scotland

Emerg Infect Dis. 2008 Jan;14(1):115-20. doi: 10.3201/eid1401.070562.

Abstract

Previous evidence has suggested an association between consumption of unfiltered water from Loch Lomond, Scotland, and cryptosporidiosis. Before November 1999, this water had been only microstrained and disinfected with chlorine; however, since that time, physical treatment of the water (coagulation, rapid gravity filtration) has been added. To determine risk factors, including drinking water, for cryptosporidiosis, we analyzed data on laboratory-confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis collected from 1997 through 2003. We identified an association between the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and unfiltered drinking water supplied to the home. The association supports the view that adding a filtration system to minimally treated water can substantially reduce the number of confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology*
  • Cryptosporidiosis / etiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Filtration
  • Fresh Water / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scotland / epidemiology
  • Water Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Water Purification / methods*