Surviellance Implications of Current Practices in Ova and Parasite and Cryptosporidium Testing


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4124.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 1:40 PM

Abstract #115598

Surviellance Implications of Current Practices in Ova and Parasite and Cryptosporidium Testing

Lisa J. Ragain, MAT, Env. and Occ. Health, George Washington University, 2100 M St., NW, Ste. 203, Washington, DC 20052, 202-994-1734, eohljr@gwumc.edu and Rebecca T. Parkin, PhD, MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, The George Washington University Medical Center, 2100 M Street, NW, Suite 203, Washington, DC 20052.

Background

Waterborne disease surveillance, especially for Cryptosporidium parvum, has presented several challenges in the last two decades. We postulated that one factor involved in could be an incomplete understanding by public health practitioners and clinicians of what constitutes an ova and parasite (O&P) test for various laboratories, as well as laboratory reporting procedures to health agencies.

Methods

We surveyed 87 laboratories to better understand practices and reporting of O&P and Cryptosporidium tests. Laboratories were in the Washington, DC area; licensed; and in private, hospital, and public health sectors. Laboratories were contacted via mail and surveyed by telephone. Questions included procedures for collecting samples and reporting to public health agencies.

Results

In our survey, 16 laboratories conducted O&P tests; 11 tested for Cryptosporidium. The majority of respondents sent samples to outside laboratories. Laboratories reported that physicians had to specifically request Cryptosporidium tests. Most laboratories did not have access to testing data and were unaware of the costs associated with testing. More than half of the laboratories surveyed reported results to public health agencies.

Conclusions

Our study identified potential barriers to comprehensive surveillance. Though test results were reported to public health agencies, the data may not be accurate. The use of testing methods with low recovery rates and the reliance on large private laboratories for testing may pose a considerable barrier in accessing data for surveillance. Recommendations include the need to improve testing methods and clinician education and better record accessibility. Assessments in other areas of the US are needed for comparison.

Learning Objectives:

The learner will be able to

Identify the current practices for O&P and Cryptosporidium testing relevant to water-and foodborne disease surveillance.
Discuss the roles of public health practitioners, clinicians and laboratory professionals in promoting testing and reporting results to enhance surveillance.
Analyze the implications of the study’s findings for water-and foodborne disease surveillance.
Evaluate public health practices and policies that could reduce barriers to surveillance of water- and foodborne disease.

Keywords: Surveillance, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation

Surveillance Issues and Methodology

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA