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Swimmers’ personal hygiene affects the spread of microbes in swimming pools. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of microbial infections among young Egyptian swimmers and its impact on biochemical parameters, and swimming performance. From January 2020 to June 2021, 528 public club swimmers were examined cross-sectionally. Swimmers were divided into two groups according their scores in the competition (group1 with high score and group 2 with low score). Stool samples, biochemical parameters and complete blood picture were assessed. Biological measures were evaluated directly after swimming. Microbial infections were 54% for intestinal parasitosis, 2.8% for H. pylori. Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. infected 24.1% and 23.3% of swimmers, respectively. Infection rates among swimmers’ groups varied according to gender, age, swimming duration and frequency. Infected swimmers with cryptosporidiosis had higher ALT, WBCs, and differential cells but lower AST levels. The results revealed high prevalence of Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and microsporidia. Swimming habits, frequency, and duration influenced the infectious status that induced anemia, abnormal blood pressure and heart rate. Giardiasis, showed reduction in the biochemical markers including ferritin, lactoferrin, iron and transferrin among group2 as compared to group1. Thus, raising swimmers’ hygiene awareness and targeting health education is obliged.

Swimmers’ personal hygiene affects the spread of microbes in pools. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of microbial infections among young Egyptian swimmers and its impact on swimmers’ scores. From January 2020 to June 2021, 528 public club swimmers were examined cross-sectionally. Swimmers were divided into two groups according to their star tests and their scores in the competition (group 1 with a high score and group 2 with a low score). Stool samples, biochemical and biological parameters were assessed. Microbial infections were 54% for intestinal parasitosis and 2.8% for Helicobacter pylori. The rate of intestinal parasitosis was higher among Gp2 as compared to Gp1. The results also revealed higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Entameba histolytica, and Cyclospora among Gp2 than Gp1. Swimming frequency, and duration influenced the infectious status that induced anemia, abnormal blood pressure, and heart rate. Infected swimmers with cryptosporidiosis had higher alanine transaminase levels, white blood cells, and differential cells but lower aspartate transaminase levels. Giardiasis showed higher reduction in the biochemical markers including ferritin, lactoferrin, iron, and transferrin among Gp 2, compared to Gp 1 and thus affected the swimmers’ scores. Thus, raising swimmers’ hygiene awareness and targeting health education is obliged.