Ocurrence of Shiga-toxi-producing Escherichia coli in recreational waters of Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires, Argentina

MARUCCI, PATRICIA LILIANA; OLIVERA, NELDA; BRUGNONI, LORENA INÉS; SICA, MARÍA GABRIELA; CUBITTO, MARÍA AMELIA

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Simposio; 7th International Symposium on Shiga Toxin (Verocytotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli infections; 2009

  Worldwide, the presence of zoonotic agents such as EHEC in potable and recreational waters is a major concern to the general public. Surface water and unprotected groundwater are susceptible to fecal contamination from humans, livestock and wild animals. Swimming in contaminated waters appears to be another important route of exposure. Sierra de la Ventana (Tornquist County) region is located in the southwest of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Traditionally, this area has been devoted to livestock and agriculture, but tourism has had a significant development in recent years. The region has many rivers and streams which are used for recreational purposes, especially bathing. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of STEC strains in recreational waters of Sierra de la Ventana.