Risks of recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens among persons with HIV/AIDS in Baltimore, Maryland.
OBJECTIVE
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 recreational water 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.
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. cmcolive@jhsph.edu
Cynthia C
CC
McOliver
Hanna B
HB
Lemerman
Ellen K
EK
Silbergeld
Richard D
RD
Moore
Thaddeus K
TK
Graczyk
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000469:parasitology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D015142:Baltimore; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology*; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011998:Recreation; D012307:Risk Factors; D017747:Seafood / Q000469:parasitology; D014867:Water / Q000469:parasitology*
D014867:Water