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Case-control studies of sporadic cryptosporidiosis in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2002

B. ROBERTSON
Affiliation:
Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment at Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
M. I. SINCLAIR
Affiliation:
Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment at Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
A. B. FORBES
Affiliation:
Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment at Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
M. VEITCH
Affiliation:
Microbiological Diagnostic Unit, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Australia
M. KIRK
Affiliation:
OzFoodNet, Australia New Zealand Food Authority
D. CUNLIFFE
Affiliation:
Department of Human Services, South Australia
J. WILLIS
Affiliation:
Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment at Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
C. K. FAIRLEY
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract

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Few studies have assessed risk factors for sporadic cryptosporidiosis in industrialized countries, even though it may be numerically more common than outbreaks of disease. We carried out case-control studies assessing risk factors for sporadic disease in Melbourne and Adelaide, which have water supplies from different ends of the raw water spectrum. In addition to examining drinking water, we assessed several other exposures. 201 cases and 795 controls were recruited for Melbourne and 134 cases and 536 controls were recruited for Adelaide. Risk factors were similar for the two cities, with swimming in public pools and contact with a person with diarrhoea being most important. The consumption of plain tap water was not found to be associated with disease. This study emphasizes the need for regular public health messages to the public and swimming pool managers in an attempt to prevent sporadic cryptosporidiosis, as well as outbreaks of disease.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 Cambridge University Press