Abstract
Background: Swimming pools are contaminated with different microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the fungal contamination of the swimming pools and detect the susceptibility of the isolated fungi to routinely used disinfectants.Methods: Surface and water samples were collected from different parts of 13 indoor swimming pools. Isolated fungal species were identified based on respective colony morphology, microscopic examination, and RFLP-PCR. Susceptibilities of fungal species to common disinfectants used in swimming pools were investigated, according to M38-A and M27A3 protocols.Results: Of the 795 collected specimens, 2211 isolates from 35 fungal species were identified. The most isolated fungi were filamentous hyaline hyphomycetes (especially Aspergillus spp.), and dematiaceous (especially Cladosporium spp.), followed by Mucorales, Candida species and dermatophyte species. The most contaminated places were shoes changing and dressing rooms. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and chloroxylenol (Dettol) were found to be effective against all isolated fungi after 2.5 and 5 minutes, respectively. Isopropyl alcohol (Afrooz disinfectant solution) was not an effect on Aspergillus spp., dematiaceous fungi, and Candida spp. after 10 minutes’ exposure. The efficacy of hydrochloric acid (liqueur de Javel) showed the most fungicidal activity against dermatophytes at all times. Conclusions: For efficient cleaning, the disinfectant must remain on the surfaces for an appropriate period. Sodium hypochlorite was efficient antifungal activity in a shorter time for killing all species of fungi. Given the different sensitivity and resistance profile of fungi to disinfectants, regular assessment of the disinfectants used for cleaning the pools is suggested.
Fungal Contamination of Public Outdoor Swimming Pools in Awka, Nigeria
