Author(s):
Solo-Gabriele, Helena M. ; Harwood, Valerie J. ; Kay, David ; Fujioka, Roger S. ; Sadowsky, Michael J. ; Whitman, Richard L. ; Wither, Andrew ; Caniça, Manuela ; Carvalho da Fonseca, Rita ; Duarte, Aida ; Edge, Thomas A. ; Gargaté, Maria J. ; Gunde-Cimerman, Nina ; Hagen, Ferry ; McLellan, Sandra L. ; Nogueira da Silva, Alexandra ; Novak Babič, Monika ; Prada, Susana ; Rodrigues, Raquel ; Romão, Daniela ; Sabino, Raquel ; Samson, Robert A. ; Segal, Esther ; Staley, Christopher ; Taylor, Huw D. ; Veríssimo, Cristina ; Viegas, Carla ; Barroso, Helena ; Brandão, João
Date: 2015
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/3503
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Nacional de Saúde
Subject(s): Sands; Microbiological Indicators; Contamination; Pathogens; Beach Sand; Microbes; Bacteria; Fungi; Infecções Sistémicas e Zoonoses; Agentes Microbianos e Ambiente; Contaminantes Microbiológicos; Exposição Ambiental; Avaliação do Impacte em Saúde; Avaliação do Risco
Description
Recent studies suggest that sand can serve as a vehicle for exposure of humans to pathogens at beach sites, resulting in increased health risks. Sampling for microorganisms in sand should therefore be considered for inclusion in regulatory programmes aimed at protecting recreational beach users from infectious disease. Here, we review the literature on pathogen levels in beach sand, and their potential for affecting human health. In an effort to provide specific recommendations for sand sampling programmes, we outline published guidelines for beach monitoring programs, which are currently focused exclusively on measuring microbial levels in water. We also provide background on spatial distribution and temporal characteristics of microbes in sand, as these factors influence sampling programs. First steps toward establishing a sand sampling program include identifying appropriate beach sites and use of initial sanitary assessments to refine site selection. A tiered approach is recommended for monitoring. This approach would include the analysis of samples from many sites for faecal indicator organisms and other conventional analytes, while testing for specific pathogens and unconventional indicators is reserved for high-risk sites. Given the diversity of microbes found in sand, studies are urgently needed to identify the most significant aetiological agent of disease and to relate microbial measurements in sand to human health risk.
