Abstract
This chapter provides an introduction to waterborne pathogens, which can be divided into three main categories; viruses, bacteria and parasites, the latter of which are comprised of protozoa and helminths. Each category comprises a section within the chapter. The World Health Organisation has compiled a List of Relevant Waterborne Pathogens, which considers human health risk based upon factors such as persistence in the environment, infectious dose and resistance to disinfection methods. An adaptation of this list forms the basis of this chapter. Each category of waterborne pathogen is discussed in turn, with examples given of those pathogens considered most problematic. In general, the focus is on those pathogens for which the route of disease transmission occurs through ingestion of water. Where available, information is presented regarding the disease caused by each of these pathogens in terms of symptoms, prevalence and treatment. Additionally, information is given on the number of different species of each pathogen, their size and appearance. Furthermore, mention of recent waterborne outbreaks attributed to each of the pathogens is given.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Waterborne Pathogens |
Subtitle of host publication | Detection Methods and Applications |
Editors | Helen Bridle |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 9-40 |
Number of pages | 32 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780444595430 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Bacteria
- Disease outbreaks
- Environmental persistence
- Helminth
- Infectious dose
- Protozoa
- Resistance to disinfection
- Virus
- Waterborne pathogens
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Immunology and Microbiology