HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: AJPH.2008.151654v1 99/6/1116    most recent Submit a response View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by McOliver, C. C. Articles by Graczyk, T. K. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by McOliver, C. C. Articles by Graczyk, T. K. Related Collections Epidemiology HIV/AIDS African Americans/Blacks Surveys Urban Health Other Environment

Cynthia C. McOliver, MPH, Hanna B. Lemerman, MPH, Ellen K. Silbergeld, PhD, Richard D. Moore, MD and Thaddeus K. Graczyk, PhD

At the time of the study, Cynthia C. McOliver, Ellen K. Silbergeld, and Thaddeus K. Graczyk were with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Hanna B. Lemerman was a student at the School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Richard D. Moore is with the HIV Clinic, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

Correspondence: Request for reprints should be sent to Cynthia C. McOliver, 615 N Wolfe St, Room W6005, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 (e-mail: cmcolive{at}jhsph.edu).

Objectives. We assessed the prevalence of recreational activities in the waterways of Baltimore, MD, and the risk of exposure to Cryptosporidium among persons with HIV/AIDS.

Methods. We studied patients at the Johns Hopkins Moore Outpatient AIDS Clinic. We conducted oral interviews with a convenience sample of 157 HIV/AIDS patients to ascertain the sites used for recreational water contact within Baltimore waters and assess risk behaviors.

Results. Approximately 48% of respondents reported participating in recreational water activities (fishing, crabbing, boating, and swimming). Men and women were almost equally likely to engage in recreational water activities (53.3% versus 51.3%). Approximately 67% (105 of 157) ate their own catch or that of friends or family members, and a majority (61%, or 46 of 75) of respondents who reported recreational water contact reported consumption of their own catch.

Conclusions. Baltimoreans with HIV/AIDS are engaging in recreational water activities in urban waters that may expose them to waterborne pathogens and recreational water illnesses. Susceptible persons, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, should be cautioned regarding potential microbial risks from recreational water contact with surface waters.