Cryptosporidium is an emergent pathogen that causes profuse diarrhea in humans. Outbreaks of human cryptosporidiosis have implicated water as a possible source of contamination. In this study the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts was investigated as well as the fecal contamination in groundwater for consumption in Itaquaquecetuba - São Paulo. Therefore, it was possible to notice that the septic tanks were located close to the wells, exposing them to risk of contamination. As a consequence of these results and observations efficient disinfecting practices and groundwater monitoring are recommended.
Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts; calcium carbonate flocculation method; groundwater
