Abstract

AVILA, Irma et al. Potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae present in “Las Cocuizas” park waters, Maracay, Venezuela. Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2006, vol.58, n.1. ISSN 0375-0760.

The objective of this study was to determine the presence of free-living amoebae and the microbiological quality of the recreational waters of Cocuizas Park in Maracay, Venezuela. Thirty samples taken from different park sites were analyzed. The presence of free-living amoebae and other parasitic was detected by fresh mounts and specific parasitic stain slides. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria and total faecal Coliforms were also determined. Parasitic forms were observed in 15 of the 30 samples that were analyzed. Forms compatible with Naegleria fowleri were seen in eight of the samples; other parasites were observed in the remaining seven samples. 37% of the samples revealed faecal coliforms above 200/100 mL^-1 and 33,3% showed an active Escherichia coli faecal contamination. These results show risk of human infection by several water-borne pathogenic microorganisms, which could be dangerous for users of the park.

Keywords : Free-Living Amoebae; Parasite; Escherichia coli; microbiological quality of recreational water; thermal waters.

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