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Occurrence of Giardia sp. cysts and Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts in faeces from public parks in the west of Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

A. M. Grimason
Affiliation:
Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW Division of Environmental Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ONG
H. V. Smith*
Affiliation:
Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW
J. F. W. Parker
Affiliation:
Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW
M. H. Jackson
Affiliation:
Division of Environmental Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ONG
P. G. Smith
Affiliation:
Division of Environmental Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 ONG
R. W. A. Girdwood
Affiliation:
Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW
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Summary

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One hundred faecal specimens, randomly collected from various locations within seven public parks in the west of Scotland, were examined for the presence of Giardia sp. cysts and Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Eleven percent of samples contained Giardia sp. cysts and 1 % contained Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Occurrence data from individual parks varied from 0 to 40% for Giardia and 0 to 2.4% for Cryptosporidium. The occurrence of parasitic organisms in public parks, especially in the vicinity of children’s playing areas is a matter of concern for public health officials and regulators of leisure and recreation amenities.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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