TY - JOUR
T1 - Risks of recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens among persons with HIV/AIDS in Baltimore, Maryland
AU - McOliver, Cynthia C.
AU - Lemerman, Hanna B.
AU - Silbergeld, Ellen K.
AU - Moore, Richard D.
AU - Graczyk, Thaddeus K.
PY - 2009/6/1
Y1 - 2009/6/1
N2 - Objectives. We assessed the prevalence of recreational activities in the waterways of Baltimore, MD, and the risk of exposure to Cryptosporidium among persons with HIV/AIDS. Methods. We studied patients at the Johns Hopkins Moore Outpatient AIDS Clinic. We conducted oral interviews with a convenience sample of 157 HIV/AIDS patients to ascertain the sites used for recreational water contact within Baltimore waters and assess risk behaviors. Results. Approximately 48% of respondents reported participating in recreational water activities (fishing, crabbing, boating, and swimming). Men and women were almost equally likely to engage in recreational water activities (53.3% versus 51.3%). Approximately 67% (105 of 157) ate their own catch or that of friends or family members, and a majority (61%, or 46 of 75) of respondents who reported recreationalwater contact reported consumption of their own catch. Conclusions. Baltimoreans with HIV/AIDS are engaging in recreational water activities in urban waters that may expose them to waterborne pathogens and recreational water illnesses. Susceptible persons, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, should be cautioned regarding potential microbial risks from recreational water contact with surface waters.
AB - Objectives. We assessed the prevalence of recreational activities in the waterways of Baltimore, MD, and the risk of exposure to Cryptosporidium among persons with HIV/AIDS. Methods. We studied patients at the Johns Hopkins Moore Outpatient AIDS Clinic. We conducted oral interviews with a convenience sample of 157 HIV/AIDS patients to ascertain the sites used for recreational water contact within Baltimore waters and assess risk behaviors. Results. Approximately 48% of respondents reported participating in recreational water activities (fishing, crabbing, boating, and swimming). Men and women were almost equally likely to engage in recreational water activities (53.3% versus 51.3%). Approximately 67% (105 of 157) ate their own catch or that of friends or family members, and a majority (61%, or 46 of 75) of respondents who reported recreationalwater contact reported consumption of their own catch. Conclusions. Baltimoreans with HIV/AIDS are engaging in recreational water activities in urban waters that may expose them to waterborne pathogens and recreational water illnesses. Susceptible persons, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, should be cautioned regarding potential microbial risks from recreational water contact with surface waters.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=67049095639&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=67049095639&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.2008.151654
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.2008.151654
M3 - Article
C2 - 19372505
AN - SCOPUS:67049095639
VL - 99
SP - 1116
EP - 1122
JO - American Journal of Public Health
JF - American Journal of Public Health
SN - 0090-0036
IS - 6
ER -