Prevalence and public health implications of mycotoxigenic fungi in treated drinking water systems

Insufficient potable water resources and poorly treated drinking water quality are the world's number one cause for preventable morbidity and mortality from water-related pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic microorganisms, including mycotoxigenic fungi, have been identified in treated drinkin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of water and health 2019-08, Vol.17 (4), p.517-531
Main Authors: Mhlongo, Ntombie Thandazile, Tekere, Memory, Sibanda, Timothy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergic reactions
Allergies
Bacteria
Biodiversity
Biofilms
Drinking water
Drinking Water - microbiology
E coli
Food
Fungi
Health risks
Humans
Immunocompromised hosts
Microorganisms
Morbidity
Pathogens
Prevalence
Public Health
Water distribution
Water distribution systems
Water engineering
Water Pollution
Water Quality
Water resistance
Water resources
Water treatment
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Summary:Insufficient potable water resources and poorly treated drinking water quality are the world's number one cause for preventable morbidity and mortality from water-related pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic microorganisms, including mycotoxigenic fungi, have been identified in treated drinking water. This paper presents a review of mycotoxigenic fungi as a health risk to the public as these fungi are responsible for allergies, cancers and opportunistic infections mainly to immunocompromised patients. The exacerbating factors contributing to fungal presence in water distribution systems, factors that lead to fungi being resistant to water treatment and treated drinking water quality legislations are also discussed. This paper provides a review on the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their implications to public health in treated drinking water, and the need for inclusion in treated drinking water quality regulations.
ISSN:1477-8920
1996-7829
DOI:10.2166/wh.2019.122