Received: September 5, 2005.

Accepted: February 15, 2006.

Abstract published online: March 14, 2006.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2006.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER USED IN HYDROTHERAPY

PERESTRELO M. F. (1), NORBERG A. N. (1), GUERRA-SANCHES F. (1), TORRES A. C. (1), PILE E. (2)

(1) Iguaçu University, Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (2) National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, INIDA, Cape Verde.

ABSTRACT: Water used in hydrotherapy units of Nova Iguaçu and Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, was microbiologically analyzed. Thirty samples (5ml each) were weekly collected from September 2001 to June 2002 before the beginning and after the end of activities in the units. For analysis, routine techniques were used, which showed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp, Candida spp, Penicillium spp, Epidermophyton spp, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp, Cephalosporium spp, Cladosporium spp, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton spp. Results indicated a need for improving hygienic conditions, suggesting that water might be a contamination source in the evaluated units.

KEY WORDS: hydrotherapy, water, microorganisms, bacteria, fungi.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

MAURO FONTES PERESTRELO, Rua Vicente Celestino, 496, apto. 101, 26525-530, Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Email: mauro_perestrelo@hotmail.com.