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At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Water as a possible factor of transmission in mycobacterial infections.

Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium xenopi are the most frequent species occurring in water in the Czech Republic. In the endemic area of M. kansasii in heavy industry and mining areas of North Moravia various mycobacterial species were detected in more than 20% of different water samples and M. kansasii was found in 1.5 to 1.9% of them, frequently in pit bathrooms and in the drinking water as well. Mycobacterium xenopi was detected in 35 and 50% of water samples collected in households of M. xenopi excretors in North Bohemia and in Prague. A nosocomial occurrence of M. xenopi was recorded in an hospital department in North Bohemia and in a rest home in Prague and all samples of water from the afflicted institutions were positive for M. xenopi. In a coal mine in Moravia a case of cutaneous involvement associated with the presence of M. marinum in mine water was also recorded. The incidence of various mycobacterial species (except of M. kansasii and M. xenopi) in spa and swimming pools in West Bohemia reached 35% positivity. Comprehensive reviews of bacteriological investigations for mycobacteria performed in the entire territory of the Czech Republic have been reported in annual reports since 1985. In the period from 1985 to 1991 a total of 5167 samples of various kinds of water samples were examined and mycobacteria were detected in 8.2 to 47.7% of them.

Czech Republic↗
PubMed1997

Aetiology and occurrence of diving injuries. A review of diving safety.

This paper examines multifaceted aspects of diving entries into water which are the cause of many critical injuries (costed at $A150 million) and therefore have important safety ramifications. Wedge and compression fractures are most commonly found in the cervical area of the spine with off-centre impacts with the pool or sea bottom. Diving-related injuries range from 2.3 in a South African study to 21% of spinal cord injuries in Poland. Alcohol and diving do not mix because of diminished awareness and information processing. Children aged under 13 years suffer fewer cervical injuries (1 to 4%), but complication rates are relatively high for this group. Sports trauma (diving-related in particular) is one of the more prevalent causes of spinal cord injury in children aged 6 to 15 years. The highest incidence occurs among those aged 10 to 14, followed by the group aged 5 to 9 years. This contradicts the common perception that 15-to 19-year-olds comprise the highest risk group. Boys are more frequently injured, and swimming pools are more common as an injury location then is the case with adults. The role played by water depth has been conclusively ascertained; technique, and therefore education, appear to be more important considerations in injury prevention. Although 89% of injuries occur in water < 1.52m, injuries are rare in water of 0.46 to 0.61m. Care with pool design to avoid sudden depth changes and the resultant "spinal wall' is necessary. Minimum depth values for diving vary from 1 to 1.52 m. Velocities and angles of entry are considered to ascertain the body's decelerative capacity upon entry. The scoop, racing start dive has been shown to require at least 1.22 m of water even when practised by trained divers; the risks involved must therefore be weighed against the fact that it may be no faster than more conventional dives. While it may be safe to perform kneeling and crouching dives into shallowers water, standing dives by untrained divers require a greater margin of error. Lack of education is an issue which needs to be addressed and this paper makes recommendations for safety practices such as steering up to the surface, head protection with the arms and only diving when absolutely necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A case report of false negative Legionella test results in a chlorinated public hot water distribution system due to the lack of sodium thiosulfate in sampling bottles.

We examined samples from the showers and the central water distribution system of a public building with an indoor swimming pool. The pool was used for school and recreational activities and as a sports therapy facility for patients with coronary heart disease. The building's hot water system was contaminated with Legionella pneumophila. Due to the building's intricate piping system, several attempts to completely eliminate legionellae by thermal and chemical disinfection had failed, so an external sanitation company was charged with the installation of a continuous chlorination device in order to keep Legionella concentrations low. The laboratory which was contracted by the sanitation company to monitor bacteria levels after installation of the chlorination device used sampling bottles without sodium thiosulfate and repeatedly reported an absence of Legionella. However, up to 69,000 colony forming particles (CFP) of Legionella pneumophila (Lp) per litre and up to 171 CFP/ml of heterotrophic bacteria could be detected when parallel samples were collected in bottles containing sodium thiosulfate at standard concentrations. Laboratories, epidemiologists, public health officials and technical staff who may be in charge of delivering, preparing or using sterile sampling devices for the collection of environmental samples to be tested for legionellae should be aware that cultures can return false negative results if the sampling containers used to collect chlorinated drinking water or chlorinated pool water samples do not contain a neutralizing agent to instantly inactivate residual halogen biocides. False negative results may lead to a false sense of security regarding the safety of water systems or the success of disinfection measures, and may thus endanger public health or even hinder the epidemiological clarification of outbreaks.

Chelating Agents↗
PubMed2001

Capability of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa to survive in chlorinated water.

Mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are characterized by an overproduction of the extracellular polysaccharide alginate. When suspended into chlorinated swimming-pool water or drinking water samples, mucoid bacteria revealed enhanced survival compared with isogenic nonmucoid cells. Removal of slime from mucoid bacteria abolished chlorine resistance, addition of purified alginate to washed bacteria again enhanced survival. Thus, alginate-containing slime confers protection on P. aeruginosa against chlorine and may contribute to survival of these bacteria in chlorinated water systems.

Chlorine Compounds↗
PubMed2006

[Unintentional drowning in fresh water].

OBJECTIVE: Unintentional drowning is an important public health problem. Effective prevention measures require detailed knowledge of the specific epidemiology of fresh water drowning and near-drowning incidents. METHODS: We analyzed statistics about these incidents in Isère (district in southeastern France) from 1996 through 2003. Data came from district emergency medical services (SAMU) and from hospitals. RESULTS: There were 101 drowning incidents (1.3 per 100,000 person-years), 77% involving males and 23% females. Mortality was high (38%) and involved mainly males (90%). Natural water bodies were the site of many cases (39%) and the associated mortality rate was high (69%). These cases raise specific problems of prevention and assistance to victims. Drowning incidents occurred most commonly (49%) in swimming pools and involved mainly children (82%), but mortality was lower (20%) in these cases. The remaining cases (12%) took place in bathtubs and involved mainly children (75%). The mortality rate for these was relatively low (14%). CONCLUSION: Only prevention measures that fully take into account the different characteristics of each drowning site can reduce the incidence of these events.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed1984

Recreationally associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis. Report of an epidemic.

An epidemic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis occurred in 117 persons. An indoor swimming pool at a dude ranch was the source of the infection. Recognition of the epidemic occurred through four patients who reported to our clinic with a characteristic syndrome of follicular pustular eruptions and associated symptoms. Inadequate disinfection of the water was causative. Many affected persons had prolonged contact with the organism because swimsuits were worn for several hours after exposure. Early diagnosis and epidemiological investigation are important in treating this disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of service member and military spouse satisfaction with installation fitness facilities and exercise programs.

Satisfaction with fitness facilities has long been accepted as a positive contributing factor to physical activity, readiness, and overall quality of life for military families. Our findings are based on a random sample of military families surveyed at 38 installations worldwide and at remote locations. A total of 8,572 service member and 3,493 spouse (55% and 32% response rate, respectively) questionnaires were completed and returned. Overall, members were satisfied with fitness facilities and programs, but spouses were less satisfied and more unfamiliar with these facilities. Most valued programs were fitness centers and swimming pools. Members reported that elimination of fitness facilities would greatly decrease the quality of life on installations, particularly at sites outside the continental United States, whereas spouses reported that this would not have a dramatic effect. The results of this study could be used to direct funding allocations, improve the health and fitness of military families, and suggest areas for further research.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Atypical mycobacterial skin infections].

The incidence of cutaneous atypical mycobacterial infections is increasing. Their clinical presentation is variable. The atypical mycobacteria are difficult to culture and thus diagnosis can be difficult to establish. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and mycolic acid analysis have recently been used for mycobacterial species identification, but are not routinely used. Risk factors for cutaneous atypical mycobacterial infection include (1) immunodepression due to HIV infection, lymphoma, leukemia or immunosuppressive therapy. Immunodepression is responsible for the emergence of cutaneous infections by a large variety of atypical mycobacterial species, particularly in industrialized countries. (2) The natural environment is directly responsible for the emergence of cutaneous infections but a small number of atypical mycobacterial species including M. marinum in Europe and North America, and M. ulcerans in the tropics. (3) The medical environment when sterilization is inadequate is also not uncommonly responsible. Clinical features are rarely specific for mycobacterial species, and thus analysis of factors relevant to treatment is more important than species classification. We describe environmental forms (Buruli ulcer caused by M. ulcerans is endemic in the tropics, and swimming pool granuloma which is the aquatic form of M. marinum infection), opportunist forms caused by various species in immunodepressed hosts and iatrogenic and accidental forms mostly due to M. fortiutum and M. chelonei. We review the literature and update the clinical characteristics and risk factors for these diseases.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1990

Two cases of acute toluene intoxication.

Two patients exposed to high concentrations of toluene in air (greater than 7000 mg/m3) were found at the bottom of a small swimming pool under construction. Their symptoms were stupefaction, paresis, and amnesia. Patient A had been exposed for three hours and patient B for two hours. Ninety minutes after the exposure, the toluene blood concentration in patient A was 4.1 mg/l and in patient B 2.2 mg/l. Urinary ortho-cresol secretion was shown to be a good index of exposure to toluene. After high level exposure, urinary meta-cresol excretion may also be used to monitor toluene exposure.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1975

Staphylococcus aureus recoveries on various brands of membrane filters.

Six commercial brands of membrane filters were compared using staphylococcus aureus obtained from pure cultures and from swimming pool water. The following brands of filters were tested: Gelman, Millipore, Nuclepore, Oxoid, Sartorius, and Selectron. Standard membrane filter (MF) procedures and m-Staphylococcus broth were used in the evaluation. Analysis of the results was performed by comparing filter recoveries to the standard plate count using the t-test and the coefficient of variation. The data revealed that recovery on Nuclepore filters was consistently lower than the other brands and showed a wider degree of variation from the mean. All organisms recovered from the pool were gram-positive cocci, and the colonies ranged from white to yellow-gold in color. Approximately 15% of both the white and yellow-gold colonies were coagulase-positive, indicating that colony color alone does not denote the presence of coagulase-positive S. aureus. Since there was no correlation between colony color of the organisms recovered on membrane filters and the presence of coagulase, the feasibility of coagulase testing only the yellow-gold colonies for bathing water analysis is questionable.

Micropore Filters↗
PubMed1989

Studies on the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba-associated meningoencephalitis.

100 indoor swimming pools were examined for the presence of free-living amoebae. Limax amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba could be isolated from 34 samples. Naegleria spp. were not present. After axenic cultivation the pathogenicity in mice was tested. Histological as well as immunohistological procedures were compared in order to identify the amoebae in brain sections and to clarify the route of infection. The results indicate a direct invasion of the central nervous system by acanthamoebae via the nasal mucosa and the olfactory bulb.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1994

Children's lives or garden aesthetics? A case study in public health advocacy.

Following a decade of accumulating clinical reports on child drowning in domestic swimming pools, paediatricians began advocating legislation that would require all pools to be 'isolation' fenced. In 1990, the New South Wales Government introduced and then repeated such legislation following intense lobbying and media advocacy from a group of pool owners. This paper reviews the ways in which isolation fence advocates and opponents framed their public arguments. Five main areas of competing public discourse are identified: why pool drownings occur; the effects of fencing; expert views and community support; the role of the state in prevention; and personalised references to the value systems of those involved in the debate. Two factors seem likely to have contributed most to the overthrow of the legislation: fence opponents inhabiting the same noninterventionist ideological frame of reference as the government; and fence advocates' refusal to compromise on retrospective fencing seems likely to have inspired a commitment in opposition which would have been absent if an incrementalist, prospective fencing policy had been adopted.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1986

Fifteen years of child drowning--a 1967-1981 analysis of all fatal cases from the Brisbane Drowning Study and an 11 year study of consecutive near-drowning cases.

A total population study of childhood fresh water drowning accidents (fatalities) for the 15 year period, 1967-1981, is reported. These data are from the ongoing Brisbane Drowning Study which has now also analysed 255 fresh water child immersions (both fatalities and near-fatalities) over the eleven year period, 1978-1981, and as such forms a consecutive unselected series for over one decade. The annual fatality (drowning) rate is 3.53 per 100,000. Details of immersion accidents by site, sex and by outcome (survivors versus fatalities) are presented. An analysis of secular trends revealed that one epidemic peak of child drownings in swimming pools and domestic baths (noted in the mid 1970s in Australia and other countries) is now passed. Evidence is presented to suggest that a vigorous education, and public awareness campaign can reduce the incidence of serious child immersion accidents by one-third. Such a campaign may have influence on all types of childhood household drownings (pools, baths, garden ponds), irrespective of site. Survival rates for unsupervised children who lose consciousness in fresh water are site-dependent, only 21% of such potential victims surviving after losing consciousness in rivers and creeks, compared with the survival rate of 65% for those in potential drowning incidents in their own backyard. Violent death continues to account for more than half of all deaths in childhood up to the age of 14 years [Gratz, 1979; Mayer, Walker and Johnson et al., 1981].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Hospitalizations for near drowning in California: incidence and costs.

California hospital discharge data for 1991 were examined to describe persons hospitalized for near drownings (i.e., a submersion incident for which the victim was admitted to a hospital). Among residents with near-drowning injuries, there were 865 discharges, regardless of outcome (rate = 2.8/100,000); 785 persons survived the hospitalization, and 80 (9%) did not. Swimming pools were the most common submersion site (62%). Highest rates per 100,000 were found among males (3.6), Blacks (3.6), and children 1 through 5 years old (18.4). Charges for the initial hospitalization (excluding physicians' fees) amounted to $11.4 million. The state government's share of these charges was $5.4 million, with Medi-Cal expected to pay $4.1 million. Blacks, males, Medi-Cal recipients, and young children are most at risk and should be targeted for prevention programs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

An information theory analysis of duration of lifeguards' scanning.

Observers recorded the duration of scanning by six lifeguards in three indoor swimming pools. Duration of scanning was significantly predicted by the absolute numbers of child swimmers (< 17 years) in the pools and when numbers of child swimmers were represented in terms of bits of information. Duration of scanning increased as a linear function of both numbers of children and child bits of information. These results are interpreted in terms of the Hick-Hyman law of information theory. Lifeguards appear to simplify the task of information processing and decision-making by concentrating on children as a more at-risk group of swimmers. Duration of scanning was not significantly related to changes in number of adult swimmers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Green hair.

Green hair is an unusual dermatologic condition usually due to the deposition of copper from exogenous sources. We report the cases of two patients who presented to our clinic with green discoloration of their hair. This pigmentation of hair has generally been reported in patients with blond hair as a consequence of increased concentrations of copper in domestic or swimming pool water. Although an increased copper content of the affected hair seems to be a prerequisite, other predisposing factors have to be present for this situation to occur. These include previous hair damage (mechanical, sun exposure, bleaching, dyeing, waving), frequent contact with chlorinated water, or use of alkaline shampoos. Several options for treatment have been described for this problem, including application of hot vegetable oil, hydrogen peroxide, edetic acid- or D-penicillamine-containing shampoos, or hydroxyethyl diphosphonic acid.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Personal UV dosimetry by Bacillus subtilis spore films.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is known to be the most important risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Until today it has been impossible to measure reliably UVR in the frame of epidemiological studies. The recent development of a spore film containing spores of Bacillus subtilis resulted in a new method of UV measurement by personal dosimetry. METHODS: The practical application of dosimeters was tested in 18 study persons under different circumstances of UV exposure and in 4 different geographical regions. RESULTS: Eleven children carried dosimeters on their shoulders for 1 day, playing in- and outdoors on a sunny day in summertime. Their whole-day values ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 minimal erythema doses (MED) per day with a mean of 0.71 MED (+/-0.44). Four lifeguards in a public swimming-pool carried dosimeters on their shoulders for 11 days and received UV exposures ranging from 3.6 to 9.5 MED (mean 5.9 +/- 1.88). Three mountain guides with dosimeters attached to the lateral head in different mountain regions at 23 mountaineering activities received daily exposures of 4.44-17.07 MED (mean 11.9 +/- 3.8). CONCLUSION: B. subtilis spore film dosimeters can be applied to different study persons including children and mountain guides under different climatic conditions. A broad range of UV exposures can reliably be measured with this method.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Accessibility of health clubs for people with mobility disabilities and visual impairments.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the accessibility of health clubs to persons with mobility disabilities and visual impairments. METHODS: We assessed 35 health clubs and fitness facilities as part of a national field trial of a new instrument, Accessibility Instruments Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments (AIMFREE), designed to assess accessibility of fitness facilities in the following domains: (1) built environment, (2) equipment, (3) swimming pools, (4) information, (5) facility policies, and (6) professional behavior. RESULTS: All facilities had a low to moderate level of accessibility. Some of the deficiencies concerned specific Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines pertaining to the built environment, whereas other deficiency areas were related to aspects of the facilities' equipment, information, policies, and professional staff. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with mobility disabilities and visual impairments have difficulty accessing various areas of fitness facilities and health clubs. AIMFREE is an important tool for increasing awareness of these accessibility barriers for people with disabilities.

Persons with Disabilities↗