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Yeast Diversity on Sandy Lake Beaches Used for Recreation in Olsztyn, Poland

Summary

Researchers studied yeasts living in sand from four recreational lakes in Poland over two summers. They found 62 different yeast species, including 8 potentially harmful types that can cause infections in humans. The study shows beach sand contains significant microbial contamination that should be regularly monitored to protect swimmers, especially people with weakened immune systems or skin injuries.

Background

Yeasts possess environmental adaptations allowing them to colonize soil and sand ecosystems. They can circulate seasonally between lake components including beach sand, water, and coastal vegetation. High human beach usage promotes yeast development and transmission, creating sanitary and epidemiological risks in recreational areas.

Objective

To determine species and quantitative composition of potentially pathogenic yeasts in sand from supervised and unsupervised beaches on four lakes in Olsztyn, northeastern Poland. The study aimed to assess sanitary-epidemiological status and public health risks associated with beach sand contamination.

Results

A total of 259 yeast isolates representing 62 species from 47 genera were obtained, with 8 species classified as biosafety level 2. Highest yeast concentrations were found in July 2019 and August-September 2020. Air temperature significantly affected strain concentration. More isolates were obtained from shallow depths (10cm) and unsupervised beaches, with considerable species variation between lakes.

Conclusion

Beach sand contamination with potentially pathogenic yeasts poses etiological risk for human mycoses. Continuous sanitary-epidemiological monitoring and development of independent quality control standards for beach sand are warranted. Results support WHO recommendations for including sand in routine microbiological assessment of recreational water environments.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Environmental Survey,
  • Source: PMID: 40872254, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14080744
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