Detection of potential pathogenic bacteria in selected public swimming pools: public health implications

The contamination of recreational waters poses public health risk to users as a result of potential spread of infectious diseases. Hence there is need for continuous monitoring of swimming pools and other recreational waters to mitigate the spread of infections. This study was initiated to investigate the presence of pathogen bacteria of significant public health implications in public swimming pool waters. Water samples were collected from selected public swimming pools in Benin City and transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. One ml of water sample was spread on the following specific media M endo agar, Chromocult agar and Mannitol Salt agar for the isolation of Total Coliforms Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Among the 12 swimming pool surveyed and examined, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 42% (5/12) of samples while E. coli was detected in 67% (8/12) of samples. Coliform was found in 75% (9/12) of the samples. Analysis of respondent questionnaire reveals that 67% (8/12) of swimming pool managers disinfect the swimming pool water weekly while about 17% (2/12) disinfect the swimming pool daily. In general, a range of 2 20 bathers use each pool per day. Also site 6 has the highest number of bathers with bathers ranging from 15 20 bathers per day. The detection of Staphlococcus aureus in the present study suggests poor pool compliance to disinfection standards and poor bathers hygiene. Also, the detection of E.coli and total coliform also indicates fecal contamination or contamination from environmental sources. There is need for incessant monitoring of recreational facilities in order to mitigate the risk of spread of infections in recreational water.