Full Description

Cryptosporidium is a relatively host-specific parasite, and profiling of Cryptosporidium oocystsfrom water has been used to track host sources of fecal contamination of surface water.Occurrences of the genus Cryptosporidium, as well as the distribution of individual speciesand/or genotypes are variable across space and time. Variables affecting the hydrology in thebasin can potentially influence this observed variability. To address this issue, Cryptosporidiumwas monitored at twelve sites within the South Nation River basin (Ontario, Canada) on a biweeklybasis between May 30 and November 30, 2005. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detectedin 38% of the samples, with a parasite load ranging from 0.04 to 61 oocysts/L. Variations inCryptosporidium occurrence in the basin are due to the dynamic processes influenced bymultiple hydrological and ecological variables. Stream order was identified as one of thevariables contributing to spatial affinity within the basin. Occurrences of Cryptosporidium werehigher in the fall months (September, October and November) and appear to be influenced byriver discharge rates within the basin. Variables contributing to the hydrology of the basin caninfluence the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and other pathogens within a watershed.Understanding the causes of variation in pathogen occurrence allows for improved public andenvironmental risk assessment models. Includes 19 references, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 11/01/2008 Number of Pages: 10File Size: 1 file , 950 KB