[Protozoan pathogens of genus Cryptosporidiumand Giardia. Part I. Occurrence in water environment and health risk].

Contamination of water, first of all drinking water, by protozoan pathogens from genus Cryptosporidium and/or Giardia can pose significant threat for public health. These pathogens live in the intestine of humans or animals (infected or carriers). There are found in soil, food, water or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal feces. Numerous waterborne Cryptosporidium and Giardia outbreaks have been reported worldwide in the last few years. These outbreaks resulted from consumption of water contaminated by protozoan pathogens. Their potential prevalence in faecal polluted water supplies, resistance to conventional water treatment and low effective disinfection, as well as imperfection techniques of detection of oocysts and cysts presence necessitates the need for consistent and effective removal of these parasites from drinking water supply.