Environmental Water as a Source of Infections Environmental Quality and Human Health

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The emergence of Candida auris and azole-resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus has drawn international attention within the Fungi community, particularly in the context of environmental and occupational health, water management, and research. Currently, wastewater focuses on pathogens like C. auris and Aspergillus fumigatus. The World Health Organization (WHO) addressed fungal taxa in its 2021 recreational water quality guidelines, recognizing significance. These guidelines recommend monitoring beach sand for faecal indicator bacteria and fungi as a reflection of contamination. In 2022, WHO reinforced the need to monitor fungi in national and supranational regulations, introducing a watch list of fungi. Furthermore, Europe's document to help Member-states implement the revised Drinking Water Directive, the 'state-of-play', recommends monitoring fungi in public buildings used by immunocompromised patients, including hospitals and nursing homes. Lastly, the revised Urban Wastewater Directive recommends reuse of treated wastewaters. This presentation represents an overview of fungi in water environments and regulation.