A Cross-sectional Study on Infectious Health Risks Regarding Freshwater Sport Practice in Brittany, France

Abstract Background: Freshwater sports can be associated with infections from pathogenic microorganisms. In French Brittany, such infections are a major concern since a leptospirosis outbreak in 2016. Objectives: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of infectious diseases related to the practice of freshwater sports and identify the factors associated with these pathologies in Brittany, France. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March 18 to May 8, 2019, among freshwater sport licensees (online study) and clubs (phone study). Licensees were 18 years old or more, and practiced at least one freshwater sport, in one of the 79 Brittany clubs. Club presidents and instructors were also surveyed. We used logistic regression models to study the association between our variables of interest and potential risk factors. Results: In total, 551 licensees (20.3% of the total number of licensees) and 38 clubs (48.1%) were surveyed. A diagnosis of leptospirosis was reported by 29 (5.3%) licensees, of which 41.3% occurred in the last five years. The most reported symptoms were skin symptoms (24.3%) and 7.1% of individuals reported at least one hospitalization in their lifetime for a disease related to freshwater sports. The occurrence of leptospirosis was negatively associated with boarding from a pontoon (OR=0.20 [0.06-0.56]), practicing for less than 4 years (OR=0.17 [0.04-0.56]) compared to more than 10 years, and the occurrence of leptospirosis was positively associated with taking a soapy shower after practice (OR=4.38 [1.90-10.51]). Eskimo roll was positively associated with the occurrence of otitis and conjunctivitis (OR=3.22 [1.82-6.03]) and skin irritations (OR=1.66 [0.99-2.84]). Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the proportion and factors associated with infectious diseases linked to the practice of freshwater sports in French Brittany. Complementary studies are necessary to better understand the link between these diseases and the practice of freshwater sports.