Effects of drinking-water filtration on Cryptosporidium seroepidemiology, Scotland

Ramsay, Colin N., Wagner, Adam P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9101-3477, Robertson, Chris, Smith, Huw V. and Pollock, Kevin G. J. (2014) Effects of drinking-water filtration on Cryptosporidium seroepidemiology, Scotland. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 20 (1). pp. 70-76. ISSN 1080-6040

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Abstract

Continuous exposure to low levels of Cryptosporidium oocysts is associated with production of protective antibodies. We investigated prevalence of antibodies against the 27-kDa Cryptosporidium oocyst antigen among blood donors in 2 areas of Scotland supplied by drinking water from different sources with different filtration standards: Glasgow (not filtered) and Dundee (filtered). During 2006–2009, seroprevalence and risk factor data were collected; this period includes 2007, when enhanced filtration was introduced to the Glasgow supply. A serologic response to the 27-kDa antigen was found for ≈75% of donors in the 2 cohorts combined. Mixed regression modeling indicated a 32% step-change reduction in seroprevalence of antibodies against Cryptosporidium among persons in the Glasgow area, which was associated with introduction of enhanced filtration treatment. Removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts from water reduces the risk for waterborne exposure, sporadic infections, and outbreaks. Paradoxically, however, oocyst removal might lower immunity and increase the risk for infection from other sources.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Emerging Infectious Diseases is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Government agency. Therefore, all materials published in Emerging Infectious Diseases are in the public domain and can be used without permission. Proper citation, however, is required.
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Clinical Trials Unit
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 29 Apr 2016 23:05
Last Modified: 09 May 2024 09:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/58523
DOI: 10.3201/eid2001.120386

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