Cryptosporidiosis: an outbreak associated with drinking water despite state-of-the-art water treatment

Article Abstract:

A 1994 outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Clark County, Nevada affected people with and without HIV infection and appeared to be caused by contaminated drinking water, in spite of high quality water treatment. Cryptosporidiosis is transmitted by bacterial eggs in feces and more commonly affects HIV-positive than HIV-negative people. Researchers reviewed medical records from 78 people who had cryptosporidiosis in Clark County during the first three months of 1994. They also interviewed 107 people without the infection. Of the people with cryptosporidiosis 61 (78%) were adults infected with HIV. Of these people, 53% died by June 1994, and most of these had cryptosporidiosis listed as a cause of death. Drinking tap water instead of bottled water apparently increased the risk of infection by four times. This risk was even higher among people with CD4+ counts below 100. Cryptosporidiosis was not found in the water at sources or at the treatment plant during the study period and the plant complied with federal inspection standards.

Drinking water, Contamination, Cryptosporidiosis, Clark County, Nevada

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American cutaneous leishmaniasis in U.S. travelers

Article Abstract:

People who travel to forested areas of Mexico or Central America may have a high risk of acquiring American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). ACL is an infectious disease that is caused by a protozoan found in subtropical and tropical areas. Among 58 travelers with ACL, 56% acquired the infection in Mexico or Central America. Forty-six percent had been doing different field studies or school projects, and 39% had been tourists, tour guides or visitors. Twenty-six percent had been in a forested area for a week or less. Seventeen percent did not notice any skin lesions until they had been home for at least a month. Patients often had to consult more than one physician before they were diagnosed with ACL. Those who knew about leishmaniasis or consulted a physician familiar with the infection were more likely to receive prompt treatment.

Diseases, Central America, Travelers, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, Cutaneous leishmaniasis

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Babesiosis in Washington State: a new species of Babesia?

Article Abstract:

A new species of Babesia may have been the cause of the first reported case of babesiosis in Washington State. Babesiosis is a group of tick-borne diseases caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Babesia. This new species of Babesia is referred to as WA1. A 41-year-old man from south-central Washington was diagnosed with babesiosis. Blood samples from the patient were analyzed for reactivity to seven different species of Babesia and WA1. Blood samples from the patient and 83 family members and neighbors were also tested for reactivity to B. microti and WA1. The patient had very strong reactivity to WA1, strong reactivity to B. gibsoni and weak reactivity to B. microti. WA1 was genetically distinct from B. gibsoni and B. microti. Four of the patient's neighbors had reactivity to WA1.

Washington, Babesiosis, Washington (State)

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