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Marchand G, Wingert L, Viegas C, Caetano L, Viegas S, Twaruzek M, Lacombe N, Lanoie D, Valois I, Gouin F, Soszczyńska E, Kosicki R, Dias M, Debia M. Assessment of waste workers occupational risk to microbial agents and cytotoxic effects of mixed contaminants present in the air of waste truck cabin and ventilation filters. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2024; 74:145-162. [PMID: 38166349 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2299424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Workers in the waste-processing industry are potentially exposed to high concentrations of biological contaminants, leading to respiratory and digestive problems and skin irritations. However, few data on the exposure of waste collection truck (WCT) drivers are available. The goal was to document the microbial risk of the waste collection truck (WCT) workers while in the vehicle cab. Long-period sampling using the truck air filters (CAF) and short time ambient air sampling in the cab were used. The potential release of microbial particles from CAFs was also investigated since it could contribute to the microbial load of the cabin air. A combination of analytical methods also helped assess the complex mixture of the biological agents. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi, E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Legionella spp. were detected in the CAF of trucks collecting three types of waste. The highest levels of bacteria and fungi were found in the CAF from organic WCT. The highest endotoxin concentrations in CAF were 300 EU/cm2. Most of the CAF showed cytotoxic effects on both lung cells and hepatocytes. Only one mycotoxin was detected in a CAF. The maximal concentrations in the ambient WCT air varied according to the type of waste collected. The highest proportion (84%) of the air samples without cytotoxic effects on the lungs cells was for the recyclable material WCTs. The results revealed the potential microbial risk to workers from a complex mixture of bio-contaminants in the cabs of vehicles collecting all types of waste. The sustained cytotoxic effect indicates the potential adverse health-related impact of mixed contaminants (biological and non-biological) for the workers. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using complementary sampling strategy and combined analytical methods for a the assessment of the microbial risk in work environments and the need to implement protective measures for the workers.Implications: Exposure to microbial agents is a well-known occupational hazard in the waste management sector. No previous study had evaluated the cytotoxicity of ambient air and ventilation filters to document worker exposure to a combination of contaminants during waste collection. This research confirms the usefulness of ventilation filters for long-term characterization of exposure to infectious agents, azole-resistant fungi, coliform bacteria and mycotoxin. Overall, this study highlights the importance of using several sampling and analysis methods for a comprehensive assessment of microbial risk in work environments, as well as the need to implement appropriate protective measures for collection workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Marchand
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Loïc Wingert
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Caetano
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twaruzek
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Nancy Lacombe
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Delphine Lanoie
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Valois
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francois Gouin
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Li WJ, Li HZ, An XL, Lin CS, Li LJ, Zhu YG. Effects of manure fertilization on human pathogens in endosphere of three vegetable plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120344. [PMID: 36206891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens can colonize plant endosphere and, be transferred into human beings through the food chain. However, our understanding of the influences of agricultural activities, such as fertilization, on endophytic microbial communities and human pathogens is still limited. Here, we conducted a microcosm experiment using the combination of 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and high-throughput qPCR array to reveal the effects of manure fertilization on microbiomes of soils and plants and how such impact is translated into endophytic pathogens. Our results showed that manure fertilization significantly altered soil microbiomes, whereas with less influence on endophytic microbial communities. Soil is a vital source of both bacterial communities and human pathogens for the plant endosphere. The abundance of pathogens was increased both in soils and endosphere under manure fertilization. These findings provide an integrated understanding of the impact of manure fertilization on endophytic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hong-Zhe Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Xin-Li An
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Chen-Shuo Lin
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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Garin N, Marti C, Skali Lami A, Prendki V. Atypical Pathogens in Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Implications for Empiric Antibiotic Treatment: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122326. [PMID: 36557579 PMCID: PMC9783917 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical pathogens are intracellular bacteria causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a significant minority of patients. Legionella spp., Chlamydia pneumoniae and psittaci, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Coxiella burnetii are commonly included in this category. M. pneumoniae is present in 5-8% of CAP, being the second most frequent pathogen after Streptococcus pneumoniae. Legionella pneumophila is found in 3-5% of inpatients. Chlamydia spp. and Coxiella burnetii are present in less than 1% of patients. Legionella longbeachae is relatively frequent in New Zealand and Australia and might also be present in other parts of the world. Uncertainty remains on the prevalence of atypical pathogens, due to limitations in diagnostic means and methodological issues in epidemiological studies. Despite differences between CAP caused by typical and atypical pathogens, the clinical presentation alone does not allow accurate discrimination. Hence, antibiotics active against atypical pathogens (macrolides, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) should be included in the empiric antibiotic treatment of all patients with severe CAP. For patients with milder disease, evidence is lacking and recommendations differ between guidelines. Use of clinical prediction rules to identify patients most likely to be infected with atypical pathogens, and strategies of narrowing the antibiotic spectrum according to initial microbiologic investigations, should be the focus of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Garin
- Division of Internal Medicine, Riviera Chablais Hospital, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-900-54-74
| | - Christophe Marti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aicha Skali Lami
- Division of Internal Medicine, Riviera Chablais Hospital, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Prendki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Disease, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Internal Medicine for the Aged, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Kanarek P, Bogiel T, Breza-Boruta B. Legionellosis risk-an overview of Legionella spp. habitats in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:76532-76542. [PMID: 36161570 PMCID: PMC9511453 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An increase in the number of reports of legionellosis in the European Union and the European Economic Area have been recorded in recent years. The increase in cases is significant: from 6947 reports in 2015 to 11,298 in 2019. This is alarming as genus Legionella, which comprises a large group of bacteria inhabiting various aquatic systems, poses a serious threat to human health and life, since more than 20 species can cause legionellosis, with L. pneumophila being responsible for the majority of cases. The ability to colonize diverse ecosystems makes the eradication of these microorganisms difficult. A detailed understanding of the Legionella habitat may be helpful in the effective control of this pathogen. This paper provides an overview of Legionella environments in Europe: natural (lakes, groundwater, rivers, compost, soil) and anthropogenic (fountains, air humidifiers, water supply systems), and the role of Legionella spp. in nosocomial infections, which are potentially fatal for children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kanarek
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 6 Bernardyńska Street, 85-029, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bogiel
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 9 Skłodowska-Curie Street, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Barbara Breza-Boruta
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 6 Bernardyńska Street, 85-029, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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Werner KA, Schneider D, Poehlein A, Diederich N, Feyen L, Axtmann K, Hübner T, Brüggemann N, Prost K, Daniel R, Grohmann E. Metagenomic Insights Into the Changes of Antibiotic Resistance and Pathogenicity Factor Pools Upon Thermophilic Composting of Human Excreta. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:826071. [PMID: 35432262 PMCID: PMC9009411 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.826071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In times of climate change, practicing a form of sustainable, climate-resilient and productive agriculture is of primordial importance. Compost could be one form of sustainable fertilizer, which is increasing humus, water holding capacity, and nutrient contents of soils. It could thereby strengthen agriculture toward the adverse effects of climate change, especially when additionally combined with biochar. To get access to sufficient amounts of suitable materials for composting, resources, which are currently treated as waste, such as human excreta, could be a promising option. However, the safety of the produced compost regarding human pathogens, pharmaceuticals (like antibiotics) and related resistance genes must be considered. In this context, we have investigated the effect of 140- and 154-days of thermophilic composting on the hygienization of human excreta and saw dust from dry toilets together with straw and green cuttings with and without addition of biochar. Compost samples were taken at the beginning and end of the composting process and metagenomic analysis was conducted to assess the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogenicity factors of the microbial community over composting. Potential ARGs conferring resistance to major classes of antibiotics, such as beta-lactam antibiotics, vancomycin, the MLSB group, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and quinolones were detected in all samples. However, relative abundance of ARGs decreased from the beginning to the end of composting. This trend was also found for genes encoding type III, type IV, and type VI secretion systems, that are involved in pathogenicity, protein effector transport into eukaryotic cells and horizontal gene transfer between bacteria, respectively. The results suggest that the occurrence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms harboring ARGs declines during thermophilic composting. Nevertheless, ARG levels did not decline below the detection limit of quantitative PCR (qPCR). Thresholds for the usage of compost regarding acceptable resistance gene levels are yet to be evaluated and defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A. Werner
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nina Diederich
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lara Feyen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Axtmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Hübner
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicolas Brüggemann
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences—Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katharina Prost
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences—Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Elisabeth Grohmann,
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Mao Y, Akdeniz N, Nguyen TH. Quantification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in backyard and commercial composts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149197. [PMID: 34311369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Compost is widely used for gardening. Growers can choose to buy compost from markets or make compost at home. Potential exposure of users to pathogens through composting includes ingesting foodborne pathogens and inhaling airborne pathogens. This study compared the abundances of the genetic markers of five opportunistic foodborne and airborne pathogens in the backyard and commercial composts, as well as an immature swine mortality compost. We found that ttrC of Salmonella enterica and ftsZ of Escherichia coli were absent from all ready-to-use compost samples. In contrast, the genes of airborne pathogens such as groEL2 of Mycobacterium spp., mip of Legionella pneumophila, and gyrB of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in the backyard and commercial composts. The groEL2 gene of Mycobacterium spp. was detected in all samples, including the control soil. The abundance of gyrB of P. aeruginosa was high in the two backyard composts, and it was higher than those in any other compost samples. The relative abundances of ARGs were significantly lower in backyard composts than commercial composts. We found that ftsZ of E. coli co-existed with multiple single-drug resistant ARGs in the immature swine mortality compost. We also found that mip of L. pneumophila and gyrB of P. aeruginosa co-existed with aminoglycoside resistance genes. Our findings suggest that inhaling airborne pathogens may carry more risk than ingesting foodborne pathogens when applying composts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Mao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Neslihan Akdeniz
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA.
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Salinas MB, Fenoy S, Magnet A, Vaccaro L, Gomes TD, Hurtado C, Ollero D, Valdivieso E, Del Águila C, Pozuelo MJ, Izquierdo F. Are pathogenic Legionella non-pneumophila a common bacteria in Water Distribution Networks? WATER RESEARCH 2021; 196:117013. [PMID: 33813251 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study analyzes at the national level, the presence of circulating Legionella in the artificial aquatic systems of different facilities of all of them state-owned centers throughout Spain for 12 months. 1754 water samples from various state-owned centers were collected from January to December 2014. Samples were collected from the cooling towers and evaporative condensers (CTC), and water distribution networks such as domestic hot water (DHW), cold water for human consumption (CW), sprinkler irrigation systems (SIS), fire sprinkler systems (FSS), and water from decorative fountains (DF). All these facilities are considered, according to current regulations, as potential amplifying systems for bacteria and possible sources of infection by the generation of droplets and aerosols. The isolation and counting of Legionella in water samples was carried out using microbiological culture following the international normative UNE-EN-ISO 11,731:2007 (ISO 11,731:1998) and UNE-EN ISO 8199:2008 (ISO 8199:2005).The quantification of Legionella colonization, the annual distribution, and the geographical distribution of the Legionella isolates recovered in the water were analyzed. Besides, molecular techniques were used for the characterization of the Legionella non-pneumophila isolates. Legionella was recovered from 15.79% of the analyzed water samples. High colonization was more frequently detected in water samples from CTC, DHW, CW, and DF. Regarding the geographic distribution, positive samples of Legionella were obtained in 14 of the 18 Spanish locations analyzed. Legionella non-pneumophila was the most prevalent and was isolated from water samples from 13 different geographical locations (72%). Legionella anisa and Legionella jordanis were the most frequently non-pneumophila species isolated. Legionella donaldsonii was isolated for the first time in the water distribution networks in Spain. Legionella pneumophila sg 2-14 was detected in 13 locations and Legionella pneumophila sg 1 in 11 locations. Therefore, our study concludes that the presence of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella non-pneumophila species in these systems can be a potential threat to public health and should be examined thoroughly with complementary techniques, such as molecular techniques as a screen for routine diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireya Beatriz Salinas
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Soledad Fenoy
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Angela Magnet
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Lucianna Vaccaro
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Thiago Ds Gomes
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Carolina Hurtado
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Dolores Ollero
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Elizabeth Valdivieso
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Carmen Del Águila
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - María José Pozuelo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España
| | - Fernando Izquierdo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, España.
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Huss A, Derks L, Heederik D, Wouters I. Green waste compost as potential reservoirs of Legionella in the Netherlands. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1259.e1-1259.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hu XR, Han MF, Wang C, Yang NY, Wang YC, Duan EH, Hsi HC, Deng JG. A short review of bioaerosol emissions from gas bioreactors: Health threats, influencing factors and control technologies. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 253:126737. [PMID: 32302908 PMCID: PMC7142688 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols have widely been a concern due to their potential harm to human health caused by the carrying and spreading of harmful microorganisms. Biofiltration has been generally used as a green and effective technology for processing VOCs. However, bioaerosols can be emitted into the atmosphere as secondary pollutants from the biofiltration process. This review presents an overview of bioaerosol emissions from gas bioreactors. The mechanism of bioaerosols production and the effect of biofiltration on bioaerosol emissions were analyzed. The results showed that the bioaerosol emission concentrations were generally exceeded 104 CFU m-3, which would damage to human health. Biomass, inlet gas velocity, moisture content, temperature, and some other factors have significant influences on bioaerosol emissions. Moreover, as a result of the analysis done herein, different inactivation technologies and microbial immobilization of bioaerosols were proposed and evaluated as a potential solution for reducing bioaerosols emissions. The purpose of this paper is to make more people realize the importance of controlling the emissions of bioaerosols in the biofiltration process and to make the treatment of VOCs by biotechnology more environmentally friendly. Additionally, the present work intends to increase people's awareness in regards to the control of bioaerosols, including microbial fragment present in bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Rui Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050018, China
| | - Meng-Fei Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050018, China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Nan-Yang Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yong-Chao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Er-Hong Duan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050018, China.
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Guang Deng
- College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
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Methods for Bioaerosol Characterization: Limits and Perspectives for Human Health Risk Assessment in Organic Waste Treatment. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11050452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol characterization represents a major challenge for the risk assessment and management of exposed people. One of the most important bioaerosol sources is the organic waste collection and treatment. This work analyzed and discussed the literature with the purpose of investigating the main techniques used nowadays for bioaerosol monitoring during organic waste treatment. The discussion includes an overview on the most efficient sampling, DNA extraction, and analysis methods, including both the cultural and the bio-molecular approach. Generally, an exhaustive biological risk assessment is not applied due to the organic waste heterogeneity, treatment complexity, and unknown aerosolized emission rate. However, the application of bio-molecular methods allows a better bioaerosol characterization, and it is desirable to be associated with standardized cultural methods. Risk assessment for organic waste workers generally includes the evaluation of the potential exposition to pathogens and opportunistic pathogens or to other microorganisms as biomarkers. In most cases, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, Legionella spp., Aspergillus spp., and Mycobacterium spp. are included. Future perspectives are focused on identifying common composting biomarkers, on investigating the causality process between chronic bioaerosol exposure and disease onset, and finally, on defining common exposure limits.
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Advances in Legionella Control by a New Formulation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Silver Salts in a Hospital Hot Water Network. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040209. [PMID: 31671765 PMCID: PMC6963979 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella surveillance is an important issue in public health, linked to the severity of disease and the difficulty associated with eradicating this bacterium from the water environment. Different treatments are suggested to reduce Legionella risk, however long-term studies of their efficiency are lacking. This study focused on the activity of a new formulation of hydrogen peroxide and silver salts, WTP828, in the hospital hot water network (HWN) to contain Legionella contamination during two years of treatment. The effectiveness of WTP828 was tested measuring physical-chemical and microbiological parameters such as Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and a heterotopic plate count (HPC) at 36 °C. Legionella isolates were identified by serotyping and genotyping. WTP 828 induced a reduction in Legionella–positive sites (60% to 36%) and contamination levels (2.12 to 1.7 log10 CFU/L), with isolates belonging to L. pneumophila SG1 (ST1 and ST104), L. anisa and L. rubrilucens widely distributed in HWN. No relevant contamination was found for other parameters tested. The long-term effect of WTP828 on Legionella containment suggest the easy and safe application of this disinfectant, that combined with knowledge of building characteristics, an adequate environmental monitoring and risk assessment plan, become the key elements in preventing Legionella contamination and exposure.
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12
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A Controlled Study on the Characterisation of Bioaerosols Emissions from Compost. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions arising from biowaste treatment are an issue of public concern. To better characterise the bioaerosols, and to assess a range of measurement methods, we aerosolised green waste compost under controlled conditions. Viable and non-viable Andersen samplers, cyclone samplers and a real time bioaerosol detection system (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS)) were deployed simultaneously. The number-weighted fraction of fluorescent particles was in the range 22–26% of all particles for low and high emission scenarios. Overall fluorescence spectral profiles seen by the SIBS exhibited several peaks across the 16 wavelength bands from 298 to 735 nm. The size-fractionated endotoxin profile showed most endotoxin resided in the 2.1–9 μm aerodynamic diameter fraction, though up to 27% was found in a finer size fraction. A range of microorganisms were detected through culture, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of bioaerosols from composting sites, as well as informing future monitoring approaches and data interpretation for bioaerosol measurement.
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13
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Marchand G, Lord J, Pépin C, Lacombe N. Combining Environmental Investigation and a Dual-Analytical Strategy to Isolate the Legionella longbeachae Strain Linked to Two Occupational Cases of Legionellosis. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:321-327. [PMID: 29304227 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella has a global distribution, mainly in aquatic and man-made environments. Under the right conditions, this bacterium is a notorious human pathogen responsible for severe pulmonary illnesses. Legionellosis outbreaks are reported around the world, and exposure to water droplet aerosols containing Legionella pneumophila is usually the mechanism of its transmission. Even if L. pneumophila causes most outbreaks, Legionella longbeachae also accounts for some cases. Unlike most other Legionella strains, L. longbeachae is typically found in soil. Given the wide diversity and high concentration of microorganisms found in soil, isolating L. longbeachae by culture can be challenging. Because the chances of successfully isolating the strain are low, it is often not even attempted. This study reports the strategies used to successfully isolate L. longbeachae strain that was responsible of the two occupational legionellosis in Quebec. Fifteen random samples were collected from the soil of the metal recycling plant where the diagnosed workers were employed, covering 1.5% of the accessible surface of the plant. All samples were analyzed with both the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and culture methods. Four qPCR detection systems targeting Legionella spp, L. pneumophila, L. pneumophila serogroup 1, and L. longbeachae were used. Acid, heat, and acid/heat treatments were used for the culture method. For the qPCR method, all samples were positives for Legionella spp but only four were positives for L. longbeachae. For the culture method, only one isolate could be confirmed to be L. longbeachae. However, that strain proves to be the same one that caused the occupational legionellosis. Detecting the presence of L. longbeachae using the qPCR method made it possible to target the right samples to enable the cultivable strain of L. longbeachae to be isolated from the soil of the metal recycling plant. The complementarity of the two methods was established. This paper demonstrated the advantages of selecting the proper sampling and analytical strategies to achieve the isolation of the strain responsible for the infections. It also highlights for the first time in Quebec the potential occupational risks associated with L. longbeachae from soil and should motivate questioning soil exposures when all sources of water contamination have been eliminated from the causal analysis of legionellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Marchand
- Department of Chemical and Biological Hazard Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut de Recherche en Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal (IRSPUM), Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal, Pavillon Marguerite d'Youville, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Judith Lord
- Direction de santé publique-CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre Équipe de santé au travail, rue Beauregard, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carole Pépin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Hazard Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nancy Lacombe
- Department of Chemical and Biological Hazard Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Miyata J, Huh JY, Ito Y, Kobuchi T, Kusukawa K, Hayashi H. Can we truly rely on the urinary antigen test for the diagnosis? Legionella case report. J Gen Fam Med 2017; 18:139-143. [PMID: 29264010 PMCID: PMC5689406 DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
It is critical to diagnose and treat Legionella pneumonia (LP) immediately after infection because of the associated high mortality. The urine antigen test (UAT) is often used for the diagnosis of LP; however, it cannot detect the serogroups of all Legionella species. A detained medical history and several clinical findings such as liver enzyme elevation and hyponatremia are useful in diagnosis. Some specific types of Legionella are found in compost. Herein, we report a case of LP in which the patient's medical history and several clinical findings were useful for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Miyata
- Division of Family Medicine University of Fukui Hospital Fukui Japan
| | - Ji Young Huh
- Department of Family Medicine Adventist Medical Center Okinawa Japan
| | - Yukiko Ito
- Division of Family Medicine University of Fukui Hospital Fukui Japan
| | - Taketsune Kobuchi
- Division of Family Medicine University of Fukui Hospital Fukui Japan
| | - Kazuko Kusukawa
- Division of Family Medicine University of Fukui Hospital Fukui Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Division of Family Medicine University of Fukui Hospital Fukui Japan
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15
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Dubuis ME, M'Bareche H, Veillette M, Bakhiyi B, Zayed J, Lavoie J, Duchaine C. Bioaerosols concentrations in working areas in biomethanization facilities. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2017; 67:1258-1271. [PMID: 28718709 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2017.1356762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study sought to fill the gap in information about the type and the concentration of bioaerosols present in the air of biomethanization facilities (BF). Evaluation of bioaerosol composition and concentration was achieved in two biomethanization facilities located in Eastern Canada, during summer and winter. In order to have a thorough understanding of the studied environment, the methodology combined culture of bacteria and molds, qualitiative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for specific microorganisms, endotoxin quantification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for bacterial diversity. Results revealed that workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to bioaerosols and pathogenic microorganisms similar to those found in composting plants. However, human exposure levels to bioaerosols are lower in BF than in composting plants. Despite these differences, use of personal protective equipment is recommended to lower the risks of health problems. IMPLICATIONS Biomethanization is a new technology used in eastern Canada for waste management. In the next few years, it is expected that there will be an expansion of facilities in response of tight governmental regulations. Workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to various amounts of bioaerosols composed of some harmful microorganisms. Therefore, monitoring this occupational exposure could be an interesting tool for improving worker's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Dubuis
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
- b Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Hamza M'Bareche
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Marc Veillette
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
| | - Bouchra Bakhiyi
- c Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Canada
| | - Joseph Zayed
- c Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , School of Public Health, University of Montreal , Montreal , Canada
- d Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du travail (IRSST) , Montreal (Qc) , Canada
| | - Jacques Lavoie
- d Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du travail (IRSST) , Montreal (Qc) , Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- a Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
- b Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie , Université Laval , Quebec City , Canada
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16
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Onwosi CO, Igbokwe VC, Odimba JN, Eke IE, Nwankwoala MO, Iroh IN, Ezeogu LI. Composting technology in waste stabilization: On the methods, challenges and future prospects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 190:140-157. [PMID: 28040590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Composting technology has become invaluable in stabilization of municipal waste due to its environmental compatibility. In this review, different types of composting methods reportedly applied in waste management were explored. Further to that, the major factors such as temperature, pH, C/N ratio, moisture, particle size that have been considered relevant in the monitoring of the composting process were elucidated. Relevant strategies to improve and optimize process effectiveness were also addressed. However, during composting, some challenges such as leachate generation, gas emission and lack of uniformity in assessing maturity indices are imminent. Here in, these challenges were properly addressed and some strategies towards ameliorating them were proffered. Finally, we highlighted some recent technologies that could improve composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi O Onwosi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
| | - Victor C Igbokwe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Joyce N Odimba
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ifeanyichukwu E Eke
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Mary O Nwankwoala
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ikemdinachi N Iroh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Lewis I Ezeogu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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17
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Banderet F, Blaich A, Soleman E, Gaia V, Osthoff M. Septic arthritis due to Legionella cincinnatiensis: case report and review of the literature. Infection 2016; 45:551-555. [PMID: 27848164 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-016-0964-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Legionella spp. are an important cause of pulmonary and rarely extrapulmonary infections. L. cincinnatiensis has only been implicated in five cases to date. We herein report the first case of L. cincinnatiensis septic arthritis in a 90-year old lady with a past medical history of chronic kidney disease. She developed septic arthritis of her left wrist after having received intraarticular corticosteroid injections and oral corticosteroids administered for presumed chondrocalcinosis. Appropriate antimicrobial treatment of L. cincinnatiensis septic arthritis was delayed until identification of this organism in joint biopsies by broad-range bacterial PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene with subsequent rDNA sequence analysis and by culture on special media. Reviewing all reported cases of septic arthritis caused by Legionella spp. other than L. cincinnatiensis it is notable that diagnosis was established by PCR in the majority of cases and only subsequently confirmed by special culture. Although most patients were immunosuppressed, outcome was favourable. Treatment consisted of a fluoroquinolone alone or in combination with rifampicin or a macrolide. Our case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for infections with unusual/fastidious organisms when symptoms are suggestive of septic arthritis but conventional methods fail to identify a causative organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Banderet
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annette Blaich
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelin Soleman
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Gaia
- Swiss National Reference Centre for Legionella, Servizio di microbiologia EOLAB, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Michael Osthoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Draft Genome Sequence of Legionella jamestowniensis Isolated from a Patient with Chronic Respiratory Disease. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/5/e01007-16. [PMID: 27635013 PMCID: PMC5026453 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01007-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Legionella jamestowniensis can be found in the environment in various water samples, in wet soil, and in compost facilities, but evidence of its human pathogenicity has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of an L. jamestowniensis isolate, derived from a patient suffering from a chronic respiratory disease.
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19
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van Heijnsbergen E, van Deursen A, Bouwknegt M, Bruin JP, de Roda Husman AM, Schalk JAC. Presence and Persistence of Viable, Clinically Relevant Legionella pneumophila Bacteria in Garden Soil in the Netherlands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5125-31. [PMID: 27316958 PMCID: PMC4988192 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00595-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Garden soils were investigated as reservoirs and potential sources of pathogenic Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria were detected in 22 of 177 garden soil samples (12%) by amoebal coculture. Of these 22 Legionella-positive soil samples, seven contained Legionella pneumophila Several other species were found, including the pathogenic Legionella longbeachae (4 gardens) and Legionella sainthelensi (9 gardens). The L. pneumophila isolates comprised 15 different sequence types (STs), and eight of these STs were previously isolated from patients according to the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) database. Six gardens that were found to be positive for L. pneumophila were resampled after several months, and in three gardens, L. pneumophila was again isolated. One of these gardens was resampled four times throughout the year and was found to be positive for L. pneumophila on all occasions. IMPORTANCE Tracking the source of infection for sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) has proven to be hard. L. pneumophila ST47, the sequence type that is most frequently isolated from LD patients in the Netherlands, is rarely found in potential environmental sources. As L. pneumophila ST47 was previously isolated from a garden soil sample during an outbreak investigation, garden soils were investigated as reservoirs and potential sources of pathogenic Legionella bacteria. The detection of viable, clinically relevant Legionella strains indicates that garden soil is a potential source of Legionella bacteria, and future research should assess the public health implication of the presence of L. pneumophila in garden soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- E van Heijnsbergen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - A van Deursen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - M Bouwknegt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - J P Bruin
- Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - A M de Roda Husman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J A C Schalk
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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20
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Edelstein PH. Legionella jamestowniensis fatal pneumonia in an immunosuppressed man. J Infect Chemother 2016; 23:59-61. [PMID: 27578025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A fatal case of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella jamestowniensis is reported in a severely immunocompromised patient with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver and kidney transplants. L. jamestowniensis was cultured from two separate respiratory tract specimens and a PCR test for Legionella species was also positive from the same specimens. This is apparently the first reported case of human infection caused by L. jamestowniensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Edelstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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21
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Control of Legionella Contamination and Risk of Corrosion in Hospital Water Networks following Various Disinfection Procedures. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:2959-2965. [PMID: 26969696 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03873-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and chemical disinfection methods have been proposed with the aim of controlling Legionella water contamination. To date, the most effective procedures for reducing bacterial contamination have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of various disinfection procedures in order to reduce both culturable and nonculturable (NC) legionellae in different hospital water networks treated with heat, chlorine dioxide, monochloramine, and hydrogen peroxide. The temperature levels and biocide concentrations that proved to give reliable results were analyzed. In order to study the possible effects on the water pipes, we verified the extent of corrosion on experimental coupons after applying each method for 6 months. The percentage of positive points was at its lowest after treatment with monochloramine, followed by chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hyperthermia. Different selections of Legionella spp. were observed, as networks treated with chlorine-based disinfectants were contaminated mainly by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, hyperthermia was associated with serogroups 2 to 14, and hydrogen peroxide treatment was associated mainly with non-pneumophila species. NC cells were detected only in heat-treated waters, and also when the temperature was approximately 60°C. The corrosion rates of the coupons were within a satisfactory limit for water networks, but the morphologies differed. We confirm here that chemical disinfection controls Legionella colonization more effectively than hyperthermia does. Monochloramine was the most effective treatment, while hydrogen peroxide may be a promising alternative to chlorine-based disinfectants due to its ability to select for other, less virulent or nonpathogenic species.
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22
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Currie SL, Beattie TK. Compost and Legionella longbeachae: an emerging infection? Perspect Public Health 2015; 135:309-15. [DOI: 10.1177/1757913915611162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human disease caused by Legionella species is dominated by Legionella pneumophila, the main causative agent in cases of Legionnaires’ disease. However, other species are known to cause infection, for example, Legionella longbeachae causes an equivalent number of cases of disease as L. pneumophila in Australia and New Zealand. Infection with L. longbeachae is commonly associated with exposure to composts and potting soils, and cases of infection with this organism have been increasing in Europe over the past ten years. The increase in incidence may be linked to factors such as increased awareness of clinical presentation, or due to changing formulation of growing media, although it should be noted that the presence of Legionella species in growing media does not correlate with the number of cases currently seen. This is likely due to the variables associated with infection, for example, host factors such as smoking or underlying health conditions, or difference in growing media storage or climate, especially warm humid conditions, which may affect survival and growth of these organisms in the growing media environment. There are numerous unknowns in this area and collaboration between growing media manufacturers and researchers, as well as more awareness among diagnosing clinicians, laboratory staff and the general public is necessary to reduce risk. More research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn: L. pneumophila research currently dominates the field and it is likely that the overreliance on diagnostic techniques such as the urinary antigen test, which is specific for L. pneumophila Sg 1, is detrimental to the diagnosis of L. longbeachae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Currie
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tara K Beattie
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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23
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Legionella species diversity and dynamics from surface reservoir to tap water: from cold adaptation to thermophily. ISME JOURNAL 2015; 10:1064-80. [PMID: 26528838 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2015.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Water samples of the Drinking Water Supply System (DWSS) of the city of Braunschweig were analysed for its Legionella species composition using genus-specific PCR amplicons and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) fingerprint analyses based on 16S rRNA genes. These analyses comprised the whole supply chain including raw water, treatment process and large-scale storage, and a seasonal study of finished drinking water sampled monthly from cold and hot tap water. Treatment of raw water had a major impact on Legionella species by reducing their diversity and abundances. The Legionella species composition of the tap water was highly distinct from that of both source waters. In cold water, 8-14 different phylotypes of Legionella (PTLs) were observed per sample with relative abundances ranging from >1% to 53%. In hot water, L. pneumophila was present during all seasons at high relative abundances (8-40%) accompanied by 5-14 other PTLs of which 6 PTLs were in common with cold water. This thermophilic Legionella community, including L. pneumophila, was able to grow in the hot water above 50 °C. Such thermophilic Legionella populations are of general relevance for drinking water management and public health, but also for the ecology and evolution of the genus Legionella.
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24
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van Heijnsbergen E, Schalk JAC, Euser SM, Brandsema PS, den Boer JW, de Roda Husman AM. Confirmed and Potential Sources of Legionella Reviewed. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:4797-815. [PMID: 25774976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in natural matrices and man-made systems. However, it is not always clear if these reservoirs can act as source of infection resulting in cases of Legionnaires' disease. This review provides an overview of reservoirs of Legionella reported in the literature, other than drinking water distribution systems. Levels of evidence were developed to discriminate between potential and confirmed sources of Legionella. A total of 17 systems and matrices could be classified as confirmed sources of Legionella. Many other man-made systems or natural matrices were not classified as a confirmed source, since either no patients were linked to these reservoirs or the supporting evidence was weak. However, these systems or matrices could play an important role in the transmission of infectious Legionella bacteria; they might not yet be considered in source investigations, resulting in an underestimation of their importance. To optimize source investigations it is important to have knowledge about all the (potential) sources of Legionella. Further research is needed to unravel what the contribution is of each confirmed source, and possibly also potential sources, to the LD disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri van Heijnsbergen
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna A C Schalk
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd M Euser
- ‡Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, Boerhaavelaan 26, 2035 RC Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Petra S Brandsema
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W den Boer
- ‡Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, Boerhaavelaan 26, 2035 RC Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda Husman
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- §Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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Conza L, Casati Pagani S, Gaia V. Influence of climate and geography on the occurrence of Legionella and amoebae in composting facilities. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:831. [PMID: 25421541 PMCID: PMC4289342 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in southern Switzerland is three times higher than in northern Switzerland. Climatic and geographic factors may be potential causes for this difference. We studied the prevalence of Legionella and free-living amoebae (FLA) in compost and bioaerosol in two Swiss regions to understand the role of climate and geography in the transmission of LD. We also tried to investigate whether or not compost storage duration would influence the composition of Legionella and FLA communities. Results A larger proportion of compost heaps in facilities from southern Switzerland harbor more diverse Legionella compared to the north (P = 0.0146). FLA were isolated from composts in northern facilities at slightly higher rates (88.2% vs. 69.2%) and at lower rates from bioaerosols (6.3% vs. 13%) than in southern Switzerland. The diversity of FLA was higher in northern than in southern Switzerland (80% vs. 65%). A general decrease in the presence and variety of species was observed with decreasing compost storage time length. A discriminant model showed that values of vapour pressure, relative humidity and temperature distinguish the two regions, which were also characterised by different contamination rates by FLA and Legionella. Conclusions The duration of outdoor storage may favour contamination of the compost by Legionella, and may increase the number and isolation of Legionella naturally occurring in compost. The climate in the south seems to favour higher Legionella contamination of compost heaps: this could explain the higher incidence of LD in southern Switzerland. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-831) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Conza
- Swiss National Reference Centre for Legionella, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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Potts A, Donaghy M, Marley M, Othieno R, Stevenson J, Hyland J, Pollock KG, Lindsay D, Edwards G, Hanson MF, Helgason KO. Cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases caused by Legionella longbeachae serogroup 1, Scotland, August to September 2013. Euro Surveill 2013; 18:20656. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2013.18.50.20656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
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Affiliation(s)
- A Potts
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - M Donaghy
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - M Marley
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - R Othieno
- Health Protection Team, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - J Stevenson
- Health Protection Team, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - J Hyland
- Health Protection Team, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - K G Pollock
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - D Lindsay
- Scottish Haemophilus Legionella Meningococcus Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - G Edwards
- Scottish Haemophilus Legionella Meningococcus Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - M F Hanson
- Microbiology Department, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - K O Helgason
- Microbiology Department, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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27
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Currie SL, Beattie TK, Knapp CW, Lindsay DSJ. Legionella spp. in UK composts--a potential public health issue? Clin Microbiol Infect 2013; 20:O224-9. [PMID: 24165476 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, a number of cases of legionellosis in Scotland have been associated with compost use; however, studies investigating sources of infection other than water systems remain limited. This study delivers the first comprehensive survey of composts commonly available in the UK for the presence of Legionella species. Twenty-two store-bought composts, one green-waste compost and one home-made compost were tested for Legionella by culture methods on BCYE-α medium, and the findings were confirmed by macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) speciation. Twenty-two of the samples were retested after an enrichment period of 8 weeks. In total, 15 of 24 composts tested positive for Legionella species, a higher level of contamination than previously seen in Europe. Two isolates of Legionella pneumophila were identified, and Legionella longbeachae serogroup 1 was found to be one of the most commonly isolated species. L. longbeachae infection would not be detected by routine Legionella urinary antigen assay, so such testing should not be used as the sole diagnostic technique in atypical pneumonia cases, particularly where there is an association with compost use. The occurrence of Legionella in over half of the samples tested indicates that compost could pose a public health risk. The addition of general hygiene warnings to compost packages may be beneficial in protecting public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Currie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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28
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Brzuszkiewicz E, Schulz T, Rydzewski K, Daniel R, Gillmaier N, Dittmann C, Holland G, Schunder E, Lautner M, Eisenreich W, Lück C, Heuner K. Legionella oakridgensis ATCC 33761 genome sequence and phenotypic characterization reveals its replication capacity in amoebae. Int J Med Microbiol 2013; 303:514-28. [PMID: 23932911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella oakridgensis is able to cause Legionnaires' disease, but is less virulent compared to L. pneumophila strains and very rarely associated with human disease. L. oakridgensis is the only species of the family legionellae which is able to grow on media without additional cysteine. In contrast to earlier publications, we found that L. oakridgensis is able to multiply in amoebae. We sequenced the genome of L. oakridgensis type strain OR-10 (ATCC 33761). The genome is smaller than the other yet sequenced Legionella genomes and has a higher G+C-content of 40.9%. L. oakridgensis lacks a flagellum and it also lacks all genes of the flagellar regulon except of the alternative sigma-28 factor FliA and the anti-sigma-28 factor FlgM. Genes encoding structural components of type I, type II, type IV Lvh and type IV Dot/Icm, Sec- and Tat-secretion systems could be identified. Only a limited set of Dot/Icm effector proteins have been recognized within the genome sequence of L. oakridgensis. Like in L. pneumophila strains, various proteins with eukaryotic motifs and eukaryote-like proteins were detected. We could demonstrate that the Dot/Icm system is essential for intracellular replication of L. oakridgensis. Furthermore, we identified new putative virulence factors of Legionella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Brzuszkiewicz
- Department of Genomics and Applied Microbiology & Göttinger Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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29
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Conza L, Pagani SC, Gaia V. Presence of Legionella and free-living Amoebae in composts and bioaerosols from composting facilities. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68244. [PMID: 23844174 PMCID: PMC3699541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several species of Legionella cause Legionnaires' disease (LD). Infection may occur through inhalation of Legionella or amoebal vesicles. The reservoirs of Legionella are water, soil, potting soil and compost. Some species of free-living amoebae (FLA) that are naturally present in water and soil were described as hosts for Legionella. This study aimed to understand whether or not the composting facilities could be sources of community-acquired Legionella infections after development of bioaerosols containing Legionella or FLA. We looked for the presence of Legionella (by co-culture) and FLA (by culture) in composts and bioaerosols collected at four composting facilities located in southern Switzerland. We investigated the association between the presence of Legionella and compost and air parameters and presence of FLA. Legionella spp. (including L. pneumophila) were detected in 69.3% (61/88) of the composts and FLA (mainly Acanthamoeba, Vermamoeba, Naegleria and Stenamoeba) in 92.0% (81/88). L. pneumophila and L. bozemanii were most frequently isolated. FLA as potential host for Legionella spp. were isolated from 40.9% (36/88) of the composts in all facilities. In Legionella-positive samples the temperature of compost was significantly lower (P = 0.012) than in Legionella-negative samples. Of 47 bioaerosol samples, 19.1% (9/47) were positive for FLA and 10.6% (5/47) for L. pneumophila. Composts (62.8%) were positive for Legionella and FLA contemporaneously, but both microorganisms were never detected simultaneously in bioaerosols. Compost can release bioaerosol containing FLA or Legionella and could represent a source of infection of community-acquired Legionella infections for workers and nearby residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Conza
- Swiss National Reference Centre for Legionella, Cantonal Institute of Microbiology, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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30
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Conza L, Casati S, Gaia V. Detection limits of Legionella pneumophila in environmental samples after co-culture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:49. [PMID: 23442526 PMCID: PMC3598970 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficiency of recovery and the detection limit of Legionella after co-culture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga are not known and so far no investigations have been carried out to determine the efficiency of the recovery of Legionella spp. by co-culture and compare it with that of conventional culturing methods. This study aimed to assess the detection limits of co-culture compared to culture for Legionella pneumophila in compost and air samples. Compost and air samples were spiked with known concentrations of L. pneumophila. Direct culturing and co-culture with amoebae were used in parallel to isolate L. pneumophila and recovery standard curves for both methods were produced for each sample. Results The co-culture proved to be more sensitive than the reference method, detecting 102-103 L. pneumophila cells in 1 g of spiked compost or 1 m3 of spiked air, as compared to 105-106 cells in 1 g of spiked compost and 1 m3 of spiked air. Conclusions Co-culture with amoebae is a useful, sensitive and reliable technique to enrich L. pneumophila in environmental samples that contain only low amounts of bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Conza
- Swiss National Reference Centre for Legionella, Cantonal Institute of Microbiology, Via Mirasole 22a, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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31
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Smith KF, Schmidt V, Rosen GE, Amaral-Zettler L. Microbial diversity and potential pathogens in ornamental fish aquarium water. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39971. [PMID: 22970112 PMCID: PMC3435374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornamental fishes are among the most popular and fastest growing categories of pets in the United States (U.S.). The global scope and scale of the ornamental fish trade and growing popularity of pet fish in the U.S. are strong indicators of the myriad economic and social benefits the pet industry provides. Relatively little is known about the microbial communities associated with these ornamental fishes or the aquarium water in which they are transported and housed. Using conventional molecular approaches and next generation high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene hypervariable regions, we characterized the bacterial community of aquarium water containing common goldfish (Carassius auratus) and Chinese algae eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) purchased from seven pet/aquarium shops in Rhode Island and identified the presence of potential pathogens. Our survey identified a total of 30 phyla, the most common being Proteobacteria (52%), Bacteroidetes (18%) and Planctomycetes (6%), with the top four phyla representing >80% of all sequences. Sequences from our water samples were most closely related to eleven bacterial species that have the potential to cause disease in fishes, humans and other species: Coxiella burnetii, Flavobacterium columnare, Legionella birminghamensis, L. pneumophila, Vibrio cholerae, V. mimicus. V. vulnificus, Aeromonas schubertii, A. veronii, A. hydrophila and Plesiomonas shigelloides. Our results, combined with evidence from the literature, suggest aquarium tank water harboring ornamental fish are an understudied source for novel microbial communities and pathogens that pose potential risks to the pet industry, fishes in trade, humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine F. Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Victor Schmidt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- The Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gail E. Rosen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Columbia University Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Linda Amaral-Zettler
- The Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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32
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Distribution of monoclonal antibody subgroups and sequence-based types among Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates derived from cooling tower water, bathwater, and soil in Japan. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:4263-70. [PMID: 22492442 DOI: 10.1128/aem.06869-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila serogroup (SG) 1 is the most frequent cause of legionellosis. This study analyzed environmental isolates of L. pneumophila SG 1 in Japan using monoclonal antibody (MAb) typing and sequence-based typing (SBT). Samples were analyzed from bathwater (BW; n = 50), cooling tower water (CT; n = 50), and soil (SO; n = 35). The distribution of MAb types varied by source, with the most prevalent types being Bellingham (42%), Oxford (72%), and OLDA (51%) in BW, CT, and SO, respectively. The ratios of MAb 3/1 positive isolates were 26, 2, and 14% from BW, CT, and SO, respectively. The environmental isolates from BW, CT, and SO were divided into 34 sequence types (STs; index of discrimination [IOD] = 0.973), 8 STs (IOD = 0.448), and 11 STs (IOD = 0.879), respectively. Genetic variation among CT isolates was smaller than seen in BW and SO. ST1 accounted for 74% of the CT isolates. The only common STs between (i) BW and CT, (ii) BW and SO, and (iii) CT and SO were ST1, ST129, and ST48, respectively, suggesting that each environment constitutes an independent habitat.
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33
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Lindsay DSJ, Brown AW, Brown DJ, Pravinkumar SJ, Anderson E, Edwards GFS. Legionella longbeachae serogroup 1 infections linked to potting compost. J Med Microbiol 2012; 61:218-222. [PMID: 21940651 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.035857-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. S. J. Lindsay
- Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK
| | - A. W. Brown
- Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK
| | - D. J. Brown
- Scottish Shigella Salmonella and Clostridium difficile Reference Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK
| | - S. J. Pravinkumar
- NHS Lanarkshire, Kirklands, Fallside Road, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8BB, UK
| | - E. Anderson
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Public Health Protection Unit, West House, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - G. F. S. Edwards
- Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK
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McCabe S, Brown A, Edwards G, Lindsay D. Enhanced isolation of Legionella species from composted material. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17:1517-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03582.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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35
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Gaia V, Casati S, Tonolla M. Rapid identification of Legionella spp. by MALDI-TOF MS based protein mass fingerprinting. Syst Appl Microbiol 2011; 34:40-4. [PMID: 21247716 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Revised: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A set of reference strains representing 38 different Legionella species were submitted to Whole Cell Mass Spectrometry (WCMS) with MALDI-TOF. The dendrogram computed from strain mass spectral patterns obtained by WCMS was compared to the phylogenetic tree obtained from macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) sequences. The trees inferred from these two methods revealed significant homologies. Using 453 Legionella isolates previously characterized by genotyping, it was possible to create species-specific SuperSpectra, using appropriate sets of spectral masses, allowing unambiguous differentiation and identification of the most frequently isolated Legionella species. These SuperSpectra were tested for their suitability to identify Legionella strains isolated from water samples, cooling towers, potting soils and patient specimens deposited at the Swiss National Reference Centre for Legionella and previously identified by molecular methods such as mip gene sequencing. 99.1% of the tested strains isolated from the environment could be correctly identified by comparison with the new SuperSpectra. The identification of Legionella spp. by MALDI-TOF MS is rapid, easy to perform and has the advantage of being time- and cost-saving, in comparison to sequence-based identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Gaia
- Cantonal Institute of Microbiology, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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36
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Brassinga AKC, Kinchen JM, Cupp ME, Day SR, Hoffman PS, Sifri CD. Caenorhabditis is a metazoan host for Legionella. Cell Microbiol 2009; 12:343-61. [PMID: 19863556 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2009.01398.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether nematodes contribute to the persistence, differentiation and amplification of Legionella species in soil, an emerging source for Legionnaires' disease. Here we show that Legionella spp. colonize the intestinal tracts of Caenorhabditis nematodes leading to worm death. Susceptibility to Legionella is influenced by innate immune responses governed by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and insulin/insulin growth factor-1 receptor signalling pathways. We also show that L. pneumophila colonizes the intestinal tract of nematodes cultivated in soil. To distinguish between transient infection and persistence, plate-fed and soil-extracted nematodes-fed fluorescent strains of L. pneumophila were analysed. Bacteria replicated within the nematode intestinal tract, did not invade surrounding tissue, and were excreted as differentiated forms that were transmitted to offspring. Interestingly, the ultrastructural features of the differentiated bacterial forms were similar to cyst-like forms observed within protozoa, amoeba and mammalian cell lines. While intestinal colonization of L. pneumophila dotA and icmT mutant strains did not alter the survival rate of nematodes in comparison to wild-type strains, nematodes colonized with the dot/icm mutant strains exhibited significantly increased levels of germline apoptosis. Taken together, these studies show that nematodes may serve as natural hosts for these organisms and thereby contribute to their dissemination in the environment and suggest that the remarkable ability of L. pneumophila to subvert host cell signalling and evade mammalian immune responses evolved through the natural selection associated with cycling between protozoan and metazoan hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Karen C Brassinga
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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