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Ahlinder J, Eriksson KIA, Hellmér M, Salomonsson E, Granberg M, Dacklin I, Elving J, Brindefalk B. Upstream land use with microbial downstream consequences: Iron and humic substances link to Legionella spp. Water Res 2024; 256:121579. [PMID: 38631237 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Intensified land use can disturb water quality, potentially increasing the abundance of bacterial pathogens, threatening public access to clean water. This threat involves both direct contamination of faecal bacteria as well as indirect factors, such as disturbed water chemistry and microbiota, which can lead to contamination. While direct contamination has been well described, the impact of indirect factors is less explored, despite the potential of severe downstream consequences on water supply. To assess direct and indirect downstream effects of buildings, farms, pastures and fields on potential water sources, we studied five Swedish lakes and their inflows. We analysed a total of 160 samples in a gradient of anthropogenic activity spanning four time points, including faecal and water-quality indicators. Through species distribution modelling, Random Forest and network analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, our findings highlight that land use indirectly impacts lakes via inflows. Land use impacted approximately one third of inflow microbiota taxa, in turn impacting ∼20-50 % of lake taxa. Indirect effects via inflows were also suggested by causal links between e.g. water colour and lake bacterial taxa, where this influenced the abundance of several freshwater bacteria, such as Polynucleobacter and Limnohabitans. However, it was not possible to identify direct effects on the lakes based on analysis of physiochemical- or microbial parameters. To avoid potential downstream consequences on water supply, it is thus important to consider possible indirect effects from upstream land use and inflows, even when no direct effects can be observed on lakes. Legionella (a genus containing bacterial pathogens) illustrated potential consequences, since the genus was particularly abundant in inflows and was shown to increase by the presence of pastures, fields, and farms. The approach presented here could be used to assess the suitability of lakes as alternative raw water sources or help to mitigate contaminations in important water catchments. Continued broad investigations of stressors on the microbial network can identify indirect effects, avoid enrichment of pathogens, and help secure water accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Ahlinder
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Sweden; Department of Tree Breeding, Skogforsk, Sävar, SE-91821, Sweden
| | - Karolina Ida Anna Eriksson
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå University, Sweden; Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, Hörnefors, 905 71, Sweden.
| | - Maria Hellmér
- Department of Biology, Science Division, Swedish Food Agency, Sweden
| | - Emelie Salomonsson
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Sweden
| | - Malin Granberg
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Sweden
| | - Ingrid Dacklin
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Sweden
| | - Josefine Elving
- Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, Swedish Veterinary Agency, Sweden
| | - Björn Brindefalk
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Sweden; Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden
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Mesas Gómez M, Molina-Moya B, de Araujo Souza B, Boldrin Zanoni MV, Julián E, Domínguez J, Pividori MI. Improved biosensing of Legionella by integrating filtration and immunomagnetic separation of the bacteria retained in filters. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:82. [PMID: 38191940 PMCID: PMC10774190 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
A novel approach is presented that combines filtration and the direct immunomagnetic separation of the retained bacteria Legionella in filters, for further electrochemical immunosensing. This strategy allows for the separation and preconcentration of the water-borne pathogen from high-volume samples, up to 1000 mL. The limit of detection of the electrochemical immunosensor resulted in 100 CFU mL-1 and improved up to 0.1 CFU mL-1 when the preconcentration strategy was applied in 1 L of sample (103-fold improvement). Remarkably, the immunosensor achieves the limit of detection in less than 2.5 h and simplified the analytical procedure. This represents the lowest concentration reported to date for electrochemical immunosensing of Legionella cells without the need for pre-enrichment or DNA amplification. Furthermore, the study successfully demonstrates the extraction of bacteria retained on different filtering materials using immunomagnetic separation, highlighting the high efficiency of the magnetic particles to pull out the bacteria directly from solid materials. This promising feature expands the applicability of the method beyond water systems for detecting bacteria retained in air filters of air conditioning units by directly performing the immunomagnetic separation in the filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Mesas Gómez
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Bárbara Molina-Moya
- Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Bárbara de Araujo Souza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, UNESP, Universidad Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, UNESP, Universidad Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Esther Julián
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - José Domínguez
- Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Pividori
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Casino P, López A, Peiró S, Rios S, Porta A, Agustí G, Terlevich D, Asensio D, Marqués AM, Piqué N. Polyethersulfone (PES) Filters Improve the Recovery of Legionella spp. and Enhance Selectivity against Interfering Microorganisms in Water Samples. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2670. [PMID: 37376316 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the analysis of water samples, the type of filtration membrane material can influence the recovery of Legionella species, although this issue has been poorly investigated. Filtration membranes (0.45 µm) from different materials and manufacturers (numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) were compared: mixed cellulose esters (MCEs), nitrocellulose (NC), and polyethersulfone (PES). After membrane filtration of samples, filters were placed directly onto GVPC agar and incubated at 36 ± 2 °C. The highest mean counts of colony-forming units and colony sizes for Legionella pneumophila and Legionella anisa were obtained with PES filters (p < 0.001). All membranes placed on GVPC agar totally inhibited Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19443 and ATCC 29212, whereas only the PES filter from manufacturer 3 (3-PES) totally inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PES membrane performance also differed according to the manufacturer, with 3-PES providing the best productivity and selectivity. In real water samples, 3-PES also produced a higher Legionella recovery and better inhibition of interfering microorganisms. These results support the use of PES membranes in methods where the filter is placed directly on the culture media and not only in procedures where membrane filtration is followed by a washing step (according to ISO 11731:2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Casino
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Asunción López
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara Peiró
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Santiago Rios
- Department of Statistics, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Aldous Porta
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Agustí
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniela Terlevich
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Asensio
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana María Marqués
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Núria Piqué
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària de la UB (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Gumá M, Drasar V, Santandreu B, Cano R, Afshar B, Nicolau A, Bennassar M, del Barrio J, Crespi P, Crespi S. A community outbreak of Legionnaires' disease caused by outdoor hot tubs for private use in a hotel. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1137470. [PMID: 37180254 PMCID: PMC10167275 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
During the period October-November 2017, an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease involving 27 cases occurred in the tourist area of Palmanova (Mallorca, Spain). The majority of cases were reported by the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as travel associated cases of Legionnaires' disease (TALD). Most cases belonged to different hotel cluster alerts. No cases were reported among the local population residing in the area. All tourist establishments associated with one or more TALD cases were inspected and sampled by public health inspectors. All relevant sources of aerosol emission detected were investigated and sampled. The absence of active cooling towers in the affected area was verified, by documents and on-site. Samples from hot tubs for private use located on the terraces of the penthouse rooms of a hotel in the area were included in the study. Extremely high concentrations (> 106 CFU/l) of Legionella pneumophila, including the outbreak strain, were found in the hot tubs of vacant rooms of this hotel thus identifying the probable source of infection. Meteorological situation may have contributed to the geographical distribution pattern of this outbreak. In conclusion, hot tubs for private use located outdoors should be considered when investigating community outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease of unclear origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Gumá
- Conselleria de Salut i Consum, Govern Balear, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Vladimir Drasar
- Public Health Institute Ostrava, National Legionella Reference Laboratory, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Beatriz Santandreu
- Environmental Health and Laboratory Services, Biolinea Int., Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rosa Cano
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología and CIBERESP, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Baharak Afshar
- Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Nicolau
- Conselleria de Salut i Consum, Govern Balear, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Magdalena Bennassar
- Environmental Health and Laboratory Services, Biolinea Int., Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jorge del Barrio
- Environmental Health and Laboratory Services, Biolinea Int., Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Pau Crespi
- Environmental Health and Laboratory Services, Biolinea Int., Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Sebastian Crespi
- Environmental Health and Laboratory Services, Biolinea Int., Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Voudouris K, Yapijakis C, Georgaki ΜΝ, Angelakis AN. Historical issues of hydrotherapy in thermal-mineral springs of the Hellenic world. Sustain Water Resour Manag 2022; 9:24. [PMID: 36570696 PMCID: PMC9768399 DOI: 10.1007/s40899-022-00802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Many springs have been recorded in Greece; some of them are characterized as thermo-mineral springs and are associated with their position between Eurasia and Africa, the volcanic activity, and the presence of tectonic faults. The therapeutic use of water (hydrotherapy) has been recorded in ancient Greece since at least 1000 BC. Asclepius was the god of medicine in ancient Greek religion and priests operated his worship centers (Asclepieia) offering medical services in areas with proper climatic conditions. In historical times, Hippocrates from the Aegean island of Kos (460-375 BC) is considered the father of scientific medicine as well as hydrotherapy. During the Hellenistic period, the significance of water in health was widely recognized. In the Roman era, many doctors evolved hydrotherapy treatment and the use of hot baths continued in the early Byzantine period until the sixth century AD. Finally, during the Ottoman period, the kind of respiratory bath, named Hamam, was the dominant form in public baths. Their temperature ranges between 20.5 and 83 °C, and the dominant hydrochemical type is Na-Cl. This review describes the history of hydrotherapy in Greece through the centuries, the physicochemical characteristics of thermal springs, as well as contemporary and future trends and challenges are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Voudouris
- Laboratory of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- UNESCO Center for Integrated and Multidisciplinary Water Resources Management, AUTh, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - C. Yapijakis
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia” Children’sHospital, Thivon 1, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Μ.-Ν. Georgaki
- Laboratory of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A. N. Angelakis
- HAO-Demeter, Agricultural Research Institution of Crete, 71300 Iraklion, Greece
- Union of Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises, 41222 Larissa, Greece
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Vukić Lušić D, Piškur V, Cenov A, Tomić Linšak D, Broznić D, Glad M, Linšak Ž. Surveillance of Legionella pneumophila: Detection in Public Swimming Pool Environment. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122429. [PMID: 36557683 PMCID: PMC9784426 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is a ubiquitous microorganism naturally present in water environments. The actual presence of this opportunistic premise plumbing pathogen in recreational swimming pools and hot tubs in the northwestern part of Croatia has not been investigated. This study aimed to analyze the presence of the opportunistic pathogen L. pneumophila in public swimming pool water in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (N = 4587) over a four-year period (2018-2021). Additionally, the second aim was to investigate the connection between the presence of L. pneumophila and pool water physicochemical parameters using mathematical predictive models. The presence of L. pneumophila was detected in six pool samples. Five positive samples were found in the water of indoor hot tubs filled with fresh water, and one positive sample in an outdoor recreational saltwater pool. A predictive mathematical model showed the simultaneous influence of chemical parameters dominated by the temperature in saltwater and freshwater pools, as well as the significant influence of free residual chlorine and trihalomethanes. Our results pointed out that keeping all physicochemical parameters in perfect harmony is necessary to reach the best disinfection procedure and to avoid the optimum conditions for L. pneumophila occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Vukić Lušić
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vanda Piškur
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dijana Tomić Linšak
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence: or (D.T.L.); (D.B.); Tel.: +385-51-505-920 (D.T.L.); +385-51-651-132 (D.B.)
| | - Dalibor Broznić
- Department for Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence: or (D.T.L.); (D.B.); Tel.: +385-51-505-920 (D.T.L.); +385-51-651-132 (D.B.)
| | - Marin Glad
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Željko Linšak
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Kanarek P, Bogiel T, Breza-Boruta B. Legionellosis risk-an overview of Legionella spp. habitats in Europe. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Niu C, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Evaluation of a Most Probable Number Method for Detection and Quantification of Legionella pneumophila. Pathogens 2022; 11. [PMID: 35890033 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) in water is crucial for water quality management, human health and has been a research hotspot worldwide. Due to the time-consuming and complicated operation of the plate culture method, it is necessary to adopt a fast and effective method for application. The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the performance and applicability of the MPN method by comparing its qualitative and quantitative results with the GB/T 18204.5-2013 and ISO methods, respectively. The qualitative results showed that 372 samples (53%) were negative for both methods; 315 samples (45%) were positively determined by the MPN method, compared with 211 samples (30%) using GB/T 18204.5-2013. The difference in the detection rate between the two methods was statistically significant. In addition, the quantitative results showed that the concentration of L. pneumophila by the MPN method was greater than ISO 11731 and the difference was statistically significant. However, the two methods were different but highly correlated (r = 0.965, p < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of the MPN method were 89.85% and 95.73%, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrated that the MPN method has higher sensitivity, a simple operation process and good application prospects in the routine monitoring of L. pneumophila from water samples.
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Hsu J, Lin T, Chien J, Hsu C, Lin H, Yeh A. A Study on the Release Persistence of Microencapsulated Tea Tree Essential Oil in Hotel Hot Spring Water. Water 2022; 14:1391. [DOI: 10.3390/w14091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
To improve business performance and achieve sustainable development through the concept of hot spring resource reuse, this study investigated the antibacterial effect of alginate-coated tea tree essential oil microcapsules and the effect of alginate microcapsules on the release of tea tree essential oil. The results revealed that 450 μm alginate/tea tree essential oil microcapsules (containing 720 ppm of tea tree essential oil) prepared using microfluidic assemblies effectively inhibited total bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in hot spring water. For alginate/tea tree essential oil microcapsules prepared under different conditions, at a fixed concentration of cross-linking reagents, the release time increased with the cross-linking time (10 min > 5 min > 1 min). At a fixed cross-linking time, the release time increased with the concentrations of cross-linking reagents (1 M > 0.5 M > 0.1 M). When the concentrations of cross-linking reagents and the cross-linking time were the same, the release time of cross-linking reagents increased with the strength of metal activity (Ca > Zn).
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Casino P, López A, Peiró S, Ríos M, Ríos S, Porta A, Agustí G, Asensio D, Marqués AM, Piqué N. GVPC Medium Manufactured without Oxygen Improves the Growth of Legionella spp. and Exhibits Enhanced Selectivity Properties. Microbiol Spectr 2022;:e0240121. [PMID: 35315693 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02401-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine-vancomycin-polymyxin-cycloheximide agar (GVPC) is a recommended medium for the detection of Legionella spp. in water samples. However, its quality could be improved in terms of recovery of Legionella spp. and selectivity properties. Modifications were introduced in GVPC manufacture: autoclaving conditions (115°C, 15 min) and atmosphere during component-stirring (removal of oxygen and N2 injection). The use of softer autoclaving conditions (115°C, 15 min) improved the growth of Legionella anisa by the spiral method and Legionella pneumophila after membrane filtration. The medium manufactured with O2 removal and autoclaving for 15 min at 115°C allowed a faster growth of L. pneumophila (colonies visible at day 2) and a notable increase of L. anisa growth (colonies appearing at day 3, and statistically significant numbers of CFU at day 5). After 3 to 5 days of incubation, the improved media showed higher selectivity properties, particularly for Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. A further improvement was achieved by the addition of N2 during ingredient stirring, leading to a statistically significant faster growth of L. pneumophila at days 2 and 3 and L. anisa at day 3. Selectivity properties were also enhanced, resulting in the complete inhibition of both E. faecalis strains and Escherichia coli and complete-partial inhibition of P. aeruginosa. Oxygen removal during GVPC manufacture using a vacuum pump system promotes the growth of L. pneumophila and L. anisa, and markedly inhibits the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis. IMPORTANCE Currently, GVPC is a recommended medium for the detection of Legionella spp. in water samples. However, recovery of Legionella spp. and selectivity properties can be improved. GVPC medium manufactured without oxygen improved the growth of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella anisa. Oxygen removal during GVPC manufacture also improved selectivity properties. A further improvement was achieved by the addition of N2 during ingredient stirring, leading to a faster growth of L. pneumophila at days 2 and 3 and L. anisa at day 3 and enhancement of selectivity properties. The introduction of the modified GVPC medium in routine practice can allow a better detection of Legionella spp. in water samples.
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Luqman M, Awan MUF, Muhammad S, Daud S, Yousafzai A, Arooj F. Microbial pollution in inland recreational freshwaters of Quetta, Pakistan: an initial report. J Water Health 2022; 20:575-588. [PMID: 35350009 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic contamination of surface waters, especially recreational waters, is a serious problem for under-developed nations like Pakistan, where numerous outbreaks of parasitic diseases are reported each year. In the current study, parasitic presence in two surface waters (Hanna Lake and Wali-Tangi Dam) of Quetta was monitored quarterly for 1 year. The methodology involved the pre-concentration of the water samples and the subsequent preparation for the microscopic search of parasites. Physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were also studied. Wet staining, modified Trichrome staining, and modified acid-fast staining methods were used to identify various parasitic forms (cysts, oocysts, eggs, trophozoites). Collectively 11 parasitic elements (10 in Lake and 8 in Dam) belonging to 10 species were recorded, many of which are potential human pathogens. The species identified include Trichomonas sp., Isospora sp., Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba spp., amoebas, Microsporidium sp., Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Giardia spp. Parasitic contamination remained persistent in both locations throughout the year independent of physico-chemical parameters (temperature, EC, pH, turbidity, and DO) and bacterial concentration of water. Reliance on bacterial presence for monitoring of recreational waters can be a risk for tourists. Entamoeba spp. and A. lumbricoides may be used for surface water monitoring in these waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Luqman
- Department of Environment Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan E-mail:
| | | | - Sohaib Muhammad
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Kachehry Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shakeela Daud
- Department of Biotechnology, BUITEMS, Baleli Road, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Asma Yousafzai
- Department of Biotechnology, BUITEMS, Baleli Road, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Arooj
- Department of Environment Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan E-mail:
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Knežević M, Rončević D, Vukić Lušić D, Mihelčić M, Kogoj R, Keše D, Glad M, Cenov A, Ožanič M, Glažar Ivče D, Šantić M. Decreasing Pasteurization Treatment Efficiency against Amoeba-Grown Legionella pneumophila—Recognized Public Health Risk Factor. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19031099. [PMID: 35162120 PMCID: PMC8834526 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Legionellae are gram-negative bacteria most commonly found in freshwater ecosystems and purpose-built water systems. In humans, the bacterium causes Legionnaires’ disease (LD) or a Pontiac fever. In this study, the different waters (drinking water, pool water, cooling towers) in which Legionella pneumophila has been isolated were studied to assess the possible risk of bacterial spreading in the population. The influence of physical and chemical parameters, and interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii on L. pneumophila, were analyzed by Heterotrophic Plate Count, the Colony-forming units (CFU) methods, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Sequence-Based Typing (SBT) analysis. During the study period (2013–2019), a total of 1932 water samples were analyzed, with the average annual rate of Legionella-positive water samples of 8.9%, showing an increasing trend. The largest proportion of Legionella-positive samples was found in cooling towers and rehabilitation centers (33.9% and 33.3%, respectively). Among the isolates, L. pneumophila SGs 2–14 was the most commonly identified strain (76%). The survival of Legionella was enhanced in the samples with higher pH values, while higher electrical conductivity, nitrate, and free residual chlorine concentration significantly reduced the survival of Legionella. Our results show that growth in amoeba does not affect the allelic profile, phenotype, and morphology of the bacterium but environmental L. pneumophila becomes more resistant to pasteurization treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Knežević
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Dobrica Rončević
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Darija Vukić Lušić
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Advanced Computing and Modeling, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(0)51-358-755
| | - Mirna Mihelčić
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Rok Kogoj
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Darja Keše
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Marin Glad
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Mateja Ožanič
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Daniela Glažar Ivče
- Branch Office Rab, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Palit 143a, 51280 Rab, Croatia;
| | - Marina Šantić
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
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Brunello A, Civilini M, De Martin S, Felice A, Franchi M, Iacumin L, Saccomanno N, Vitacolonna N. Machine learning-assisted environmental surveillance of Legionella: A retrospective observational study in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy in the period 2002–2019. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Takahashi Y, Ishii K, Kikkawa Y, Horikiri K, Tsuneda S. Nitrite Production by Nitrifying Bacteria in Urban Groundwater Used in a Chlorinated Public Bath System in Japan. Microbes Environ 2022; 37:ME22040. [PMID: 36198516 PMCID: PMC9763042 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me22040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to pathogens, the effects of environmental microbes on the water quality in baths have not yet been examined in detail. We herein focused on a public bath in which groundwater was pumped up as bath water and disinfected by chlorination. Ammonia in groundwater is oxidized to nitrite, thereby reducing residual chlorine. A batch-culture test and bacterial community ana-lysis revealed that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria accumulated nitrite and had higher resistance to chlorination than nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. These results demonstrate that the difference in resistance to chlorination between ammonia-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria may lead to the accumulation of nitrite in baths using groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Takahashi
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2–2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162–8480, Japan
| | - Kento Ishii
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2–2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162–8480, Japan
| | - Yukie Kikkawa
- Yokohama City Institute of Public Health, 2–7–1 Tomiokahigashi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 236–0051, Japan
| | - Kayo Horikiri
- Yokohama City Institute of Public Health, 2–7–1 Tomiokahigashi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 236–0051, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsuneda
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2–2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162–8480, Japan, Corresponding author. E-mail: ; Tel: +81–3–5369–7325; Fax: +81–3–5369–7325
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De Giglio O, Napoli C, Diella G, Fasano F, Lopuzzo M, Apollonio F, D'Ambrosio M, Campanale C, Triggiano F, Caggiano G, Montagna MT. Integrated approach for legionellosis risk analysis in touristic-recreational facilities. Environ Res 2021; 202:111649. [PMID: 34252427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Legionellosis is a severe pneumonia caused by the inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella, Gram-negative bacteria present in the water systems of touristic-recreational facilities. The purpose of this study was to develop a scoring tool to predict the risk of both environmental contamination and Legionnaires' disease cases in such facilities in the Apulia region of southern Italy. We analyzed 47 structural and management parameters/risk factors related to the buildings, water systems, and air conditioning at the facilities. A Poisson regression model was used to compute an overall risk score for each facility with respect to three outcomes: water samples positive for Legionella (risk score range: 7-54), water samples positive for Legionella with an average load exceeding 1000 colony-forming units per liter (CFU/L) (risk score range: 22-179,871), and clinical cases of Legionnaire's disease (risk score range: 6-31). The cut-off values for three outcomes were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves (first outcome, samples positive for Legionella in a touristic-recreational facility: 19; second outcome, samples positive for Legionella in a touristic-recreational facility with an average load exceeding 1000 CFU/L: 2062; third outcome, clinical cases of Legionnaire's disease in a touristic-recreational facility: 22). Above these values, there was a significant probability of observing the outcome. We constructed this predictive model using 70% of a large dataset (18 years of clinical and environmental surveillance) and tested the model on the remaining 30% of the dataset to demonstrate its reliability. Our model enables the assessment of risk for a touristic facility and the creation of a conceptual framework to link the risk analysis with prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvalda De Giglio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giusy Diella
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Fasano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Marco Lopuzzo
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesca Apollonio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Marilena D'Ambrosio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Carmen Campanale
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Triggiano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Caggiano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Logan-Jackson A, Rose JB. Cooccurrence of Five Pathogenic Legionella spp. and Two Free-Living Amoebae Species in a Complete Drinking Water System and Cooling Towers. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111407. [PMID: 34832563 PMCID: PMC8619718 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Legionella species grow optimally inside free-living amoebae to concentrations that increase risks to those who are exposed. The aim of this study was to screen a complete drinking water system and cooling towers for the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri and their cooccurrence with Legionella pneumophila, Legionella anisa, Legionella micdadei, Legionella bozemanii, and Legionella longbeachae. A total of 42 large-volume water samples, including 12 from the reservoir (water source), 24 from two buildings (influents to the buildings and exposure sites (taps)), and six cooling towers were collected and analyzed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). N. fowleri cooccurred with L. micdadei in 76 (32/42) of the water samples. In the building water system, the concentrations of N. fowleri and L. micdadei ranged from 1.5 to 1.6 Log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL, but the concentrations of species increased in the cooling towers. The data obtained in this study illustrate the ecology of pathogenic Legionella species in taps and cooling towers. Investigating Legionella’s ecology in drinking and industrial waters will hopefully lead to better control of these pathogenic species in drinking water supply systems and cooling towers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshae Logan-Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Joan B. Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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DI ONOFRIO VALERIA, MAIONE ANGELA, GUIDA MARCO, DE CASTRO OLGA, LIGUORI RENATO, CARRATURO FEDERICA, GALDIERO EMILIA. Screening and isolation of microbes from a Mud Community of Ischia Island Thermal Springs: preliminary analysis of a bioactive compound. J Prev Med Hyg 2021; 62:E479-E488. [PMID: 34604589 PMCID: PMC8451329 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.2.1792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Balneotherapy centers of Ischia island (Italy) offer treatments for different dermatological diseases (psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis) and upper respiratory tract infections. In this study, we integrated morphological and molecular approaches to give a focus on isolation and screening of extremophile bacteria from Ischia thermal mud for potential antimicrobial applications. Methods Samples were collected during 2019 at four sites. Some bacterial strains ATCC for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity were tested. After morphological characterization, screening for antagonistic isolates was made. The colonies isolated from thermal mud samples were submitted to molecular characterization. Susceptibility testing by dilution spotting was carried out and antibacterial efficacies of most active isolate were evaluated with a Minimal inhibition concentration assay. Biofilm formation, inhibition, eradication were examined. Statistical analyses were carried out utilizing Microsoft® Excel 2016/XLSTAT©-Pro. Results We isolated a natural compound with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Conclusions The results obtained in this study are discussed in the context of how hydrothermal systems are important environmental source of uncharted antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds. In conclusion, to the most effective of our knowledge, this work presents the primary report on the preliminary investigation of thermophile microbial diversity and their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities for future biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- VALERIA DI ONOFRIO
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy
| | - ANGELA MAIONE
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - MARCO GUIDA
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - OLGA DE CASTRO
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - RENATO LIGUORI
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy
| | - FEDERICA CARRATURO
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - EMILIA GALDIERO
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: Emilia Galdiero, Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy - Tel.: +39 081 679182 - E-mail:
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Walker JT, McDermott PJ. Confirming the Presence of Legionella pneumophila in Your Water System: A Review of Current Legionella Testing Methods. J AOAC Int 2021; 104:1135-1147. [PMID: 33484265 PMCID: PMC8378878 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Legionnaires' disease has been recognized since 1976 and Legionella pneumophila still accounts for more than 95% of cases. Approaches in countries, including France, suggest that focusing risk reduction specifically on L. pneumophila is an effective strategy, as detecting L. pneumophila has advantages over targeting multiple species of Legionella. In terms of assays, the historically accepted plate culture method takes 10 days for confirmed Legionella spp. results, has variabilities which affect trending and comparisons, requires highly trained personnel to identify colonies on a plate in specialist laboratories, and does not recover viable-but-non-culturable bacteria. PCR is sensitive, specific, provides results in less than 24 h, and determines the presence/absence of Legionella spp. and/or L. pneumophila DNA. Whilst specialist personnel and laboratories are generally required, there are now on-site PCR options, but there is no agreement on comparing genome units to colony forming units and action limits. Immunomagnetic separation assays are culture-independent, detect multiple Legionella species, and results are available in 24 h, with automated processing options. Field-use lateral flow devices provide presence/absence determination of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 where sufficient cells are present, but testing potable waters is problematic. Liquid culture most probable number (MPN) assays provide confirmed L. pneumophila results in 7 days that are equivalent to or exceed plate culture, are robust and reproducible, and can be performed in a variety of laboratory settings. MPN isolates can be obtained for epidemiological investigations. This accessible, non-technical review will be of particular interest to building owners, operators, risk managers, and water safety groups and will enable them to make informed decisions to reduce the risk of L. pneumophila.
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Kawashiro A, Okubo T, Nakamura S, Thapa J, Miyake M, Yamaguchi H. Wild ciliates differ in susceptibility to Legionella pneumophila JR32. Microbiology (Reading) 2021; 167. [PMID: 34402779 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated how Legionella pneumophila (Lp) JR32 interacts with Anteglaucoma CS11A and Colpoda E6, two ciliates that we isolated from sewage and sink trap sludge, respectively, using a handmade maze device containing a 96-well crafting plate. Our 18S rDNA-based phylogenetic analysis showed that Anteglaucoma CS11A and Colpoda E6 formed distinct clades. Scanning electron microscopy showed that Anteglaucoma CS11A had a bigger-sized body than Colpoda E6 and, unlike Tetrahymena IB (the reference strain), neither ciliate produced pellets, which are extracellular vacuoles. Fluorescence microscopic observations revealed that although the intake amounts differed, all three ciliates rapidly ingested LpJR32 regardless of the presence or absence of the icm/dot virulence genes, indicating that they all interacted with LpJR32. In co-cultures with Anteglaucoma CS11A, the LpJR32 levels were maintained but fell dramatically when the co-culture contained the LpJR32 icm/dot deletion mutant instead. Anteglaucoma CS11A died within 2 days of co-culture with LpJR32, but survived co-culture with the deletion mutant. In co-cultures with Colpoda E6, LpJR32 levels were maintained but temporarily decreased independently of the virulence gene. Concurrently, the Colpoda E6 ciliates survived by forming cysts, which may enable them to resist harsh environments, and by diminishing the sensitivity of trophozoites to Lp. In the Tetrahymena IB co-cultures with LpJR32 or Δicm/dot, the Lp levels were maintained, albeit with temporal decreases, and the Tetrahymena IB levels were also maintained. We conclude that unlike Tetrahymena IB with pellet production, Anteglaucoma CS11A can be killed by LpJR32 infection, and Colpoda E6 can resist LpJR32 infection through cyst formation and the low sensitivity of trophozoites to Lp. Thus, the two ciliates that we isolated had different susceptibilities to LpJR32 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airi Kawashiro
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Torahiko Okubo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Imaging Research, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeewan Thapa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Division of Bioresources Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masaki Miyake
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Linsak DT, Kese D, Broznic D, Lusic DV, Cenov A, Moric M, Gobin I. Sea water whirlpool spa as a source of Legionella infection. J Water Health 2021; 19:242-253. [PMID: 33901021 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pneumonia caused by the inhalation of aerosols contaminated with Legionella spp. is also known as Legionnaires' disease. In this study, we report a case of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila sg.1 in a 58-year-old man who visited a sea water-filled whirlpool within a hotel and spa complex. The patient's Legionella urine antigen test was positive for L. pneumophila sg.1. During the field study, samples were taken from both the outdoor and indoor sea water-filled pools. Samples from the whirlpool were culture positive for L. pneumophila sg.1. Typing results indicated sea water isolate belonged to Sequence type ST82 and Allentown/France MAb subgroup. In vitro experiments showed that L. pneumophila strains are able to survive within sea water up to 7 days, and survival time is prolonged with sea water dilution. Also, our results indicate that L. pneumophila Allentown strain was the most resistant to adverse conditions in sea water with the highest values of DT50 (420 min) and DT90 (1,396 min). The possible source of infection was adding potable water for filling up the whirlpool. The survival of the L. pneumophila in additionally conditioned sea water should be considered in a further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Tomic Linsak
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Ecology, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia E-mail: ; Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Kresimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Darja Kese
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dalibor Broznic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Darija Vukic Lusic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Ecology, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia E-mail: ; Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Kresimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Kresimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Milan Moric
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Kresimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Gobin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Abstract
Legionellosis is a serious bacterial infection characterized by atypical pneumonia primarily due to infection with Legionella pneumophila, and bathing can be a potential cause of this infection. Legionellosis was first identified in 1977, and it is caused by Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. Legionellosis remains an important public health threat, particularly in Japan, where the population is rapidly aging, thereby becoming more at risk of developing severe disease and accompanying life-threatening pneumonia. The bacteria are most commonly transmitted via the inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced and broadcast via water sprays, jets or mists. Infection can also occur via the aspiration of contaminated water or ice, or through inhalation of contaminated dust. Because the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease (LD), as well as radiographic imaging are similar to pneumonia caused by other pathogens, a specific diagnostic test is required, such as a urine antigen detection test. Six clinical and laboratory parameters, a high body temperature, a non-productive cough, low serum sodium and platelet counts, and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and c-reactive protein concentrations can be used to reliably predict the likelihood of LD. The first choices for chemotherapy are fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotic drugs. The main goals of LD prevention measures are 1) the prevention of microbial growth and biofilm formation, 2) the removal of all biofilm formed on equipment and in facilities, 3) minimizing aerosol splash and spread, and 4) minimizing bacterial contamination from external sources. It is apparent that, in Japan, where hot spring (onsen) bathing is common among aged people, strict regulations need to be in place - and enforced - to ensure that all Japanese onsens and spas provide a safe environment and undertake regular, effective infection control practices.
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Doulgeraki AI, Bikouli V, Argyri AA, Chorianopoulos N, Mitre E, Charvourou G, Sourri P, Tassou CC, Oikonomou A. Exploring the Bacterial Communities of the Kaiafas Thermal Spring Anigrides Nymphes in Greece Prior to Rehabilitation Actions. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E9133. [PMID: 33297492 PMCID: PMC7730472 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17239133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anigrides Nymphes of Lake Kaiafas is a thermal spring that is well known for its therapeutical properties, as the hot water (32-34 °C) is rich in sulfur compounds and minerals. Nowadays, efforts are made from the Hellenic Republic to modernize the existing facilities and infrastructure networks of the area. To study the complex ecosystem of the thermal spring, we collected water from four sampling points (Lake, and Caves 1, 2, and 3). Filtration method was used for microbial enumeration. In parallel, total bacterial DNA was extracted and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 166 different bacterial families were detected. Differences in families, genera, and species abundances were detected between the different sampling points. Specifically, Comamonadaceae was the most common family detected in Lake and Cave 3. Similarly, in Caves 1 and 2, Rhodobacteraceae was detected at a higher percentage compared to the rest of the families. Moreover, the detection of sequences assigned to waterborne or opportunistic pathogens, i.e., Enterobacteriaceae, Legionellaceae, Coxiellaceae, and Clostridiaceae, as well as Enterococcus and Vibrio, is of great importance. Although the presence of pathogens was not examined by quantitative PCR, the detection of their sequences strengthens the need of the planned rehabilitation actions of this natural environment in order to allow human swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agapi I. Doulgeraki
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Vasiliki Bikouli
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Anthoula A. Argyri
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Nikos Chorianopoulos
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Elisavet Mitre
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Georgia Charvourou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Patra Sourri
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Chrysoula C. Tassou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lycovrissi, Greece; (V.B.); (A.A.A.); (N.C.); (E.M.); (G.C.); (P.S.); (C.C.T.)
| | - Alexandra Oikonomou
- Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology, Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ardittou 34b, 11636 Athens, Greece;
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Kaczmarek W, Panasiuk J, Borys S, Pobudkowska A, Majsterek M. Analysis of the Kinetics of Swimming Pool Water Reaction in Analytical Device Reproducing Its Circulation on a Small Scale. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:s20174820. [PMID: 32858989 PMCID: PMC7506937 DOI: 10.3390/s20174820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of diseases in swimming pools is the lack of sanitary control of water quality; water may contain microbiological and chemical contaminants. Among the people most at risk of infection are children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people. The origin of the problem is a need to develop a system that can predict the formation of chlorine water disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are volatile organic compounds from the group of alkyl halides, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and bioaccumulating. Long-term exposure, even to low concentrations of THM in water and air, may result in damage to the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, or nervous system. This article focuses on analysis of the kinetics of swimming pool water reaction in analytical device reproducing its circulation on a small scale. The designed and constructed analytical device is based on the SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC driver of SIEMENS Company. The HMI KPT panel of SIEMENS Company enables monitoring the process and control individual elements of device. Value of the reaction rate constant of free chlorine decomposition gives us qualitative information about water quality, it is also strictly connected to the kinetics of the reaction. Based on the experiment results, the value of reaction rate constant was determined as a linear change of the natural logarithm of free chlorine concentration over time. The experimental value of activation energy based on the directional coefficient is equal to 76.0 [kJ×mol−1]. These results indicate that changing water temperature does not cause any changes in the reaction rate, while it still affects the value of the reaction rate constant. Using the analytical device, it is possible to constantly monitor the values of reaction rate constant and activation energy, which can be used to develop a new way to assess pool water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kaczmarek
- Faculty of Mechatronics and Aerospace, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2 Street, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (W.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Jarosław Panasiuk
- Faculty of Mechatronics and Aerospace, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2 Street, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (W.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Szymon Borys
- Faculty of Mechatronics and Aerospace, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2 Street, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (W.K.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aneta Pobudkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3 Street, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mikołaj Majsterek
- Virtual Power Plant Sp. z.o.o., Dubois 114/116 Street premises 2.30, 93-465 Łódź, Poland;
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Paniagua AT, Paranjape K, Hu M, Bédard E, Faucher SP. Impact of temperature on Legionella pneumophila, its protozoan host cells, and the microbial diversity of the biofilm community of a pilot cooling tower. Sci Total Environ 2020; 712:136131. [PMID: 31931228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne bacterium known for causing Legionnaires' Disease, a severe pneumonia. Cooling towers are a major source of outbreaks, since they provide ideal conditions for L. pneumophila growth and produce aerosols. In such systems, L. pneumophila typically grow inside protozoan hosts. Several abiotic factors such as water temperature, pipe material and disinfection regime affect the colonization of cooling towers by L. pneumophila. The local physical and biological factors promoting the growth of L. pneumophila in water systems and its spatial distribution are not well understood. Therefore, we built a lab-scale cooling tower to study the dynamics of L. pneumophila colonization in relationship to the resident microbiota and spatial distribution. The pilot was filled with water from an operating cooling tower harboring low levels of L. pneumophila. It was seeded with Vermamoeba vermiformis, a natural host of L. pneumophila, and then inoculated with L. pneumophila. After 92 days of operation, the pilot was disassembled, the water was collected, and biofilm was extracted from the pipes. The microbiome was studied using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes amplicon sequencing. The communities of the water and of the biofilm were highly dissimilar. The relative abundance of Legionella in water samples reached up to 11% whereas abundance in the biofilm was extremely low (≤0.5%). In contrast, the host cells were mainly present in the biofilm. This suggests that L. pneumophila grows in host cells associated with biofilm and is then released back into the water following host cell lysis. In addition, water temperature shaped the bacterial and eukaryotic community of the biofilm, indicating that different parts of the systems may have different effects on Legionella growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Torres Paniagua
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kiran Paranjape
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Mengqi Hu
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Emilie Bédard
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Sébastien P Faucher
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Atti Le giornate della ricerca scientificae delle esperienze professionali dei giovani: Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica (SItI) Roma 20-21 dicembre 2019. J Prev Med Hyg 2020; 60:E1-E85. [PMID: 32258536 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.4s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Foster C, Frakes MA, Puopolo E, McNulty F, Saia MS, Hourihan M, Flynn M, Wilcox SR. Inhaled Epoprostenol to Facilitate Safe Transport in Legionnaires' Disease. Prehosp Disaster Med 2020; 35:109-14. [PMID: 31915089 DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X19005211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxemic patients often desaturate further with movement and transport. While inhaled epoprostenol does not improve mortality, improving oxygenation allows for transport of severely hypoxemic patients to tertiary care centers with a related improvement in mortality rates. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use is increasing in frequency for patients with refractory hypoxemia, and with increasing regionalization of care, safe transport of hypoxemic patients only becomes more important. In this series, four cases are presented of young patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure from Legionnaires' disease transported on inhaled epoprostenol to ECMO centers for consideration of cannulation. With continued climate changes, Legionella and other pathogens are likely to be a continued threat. As such, optimizing oxygenation to allow for transport should continue to be a priority for critical care transport (CCT) services.
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Margarucci LM, Romano Spica V, Gianfranceschi G, Valeriani F. Untouchability of natural spa waters: Perspectives for treatments within a personalized water safety plan. Environ Int 2019; 133:105095. [PMID: 31518929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural SPA waters and their environments were known since ancient times and used for health or recreational purposes in different societies, worldwide. The composition and uses of these spring waters may not allow standard disinfection in pools, representing a challenge for hygiene management. Several safety and quality procedures were proposed, but a systematic approach is still needed. Here, we focus on alternative strategies to provide hints for developing a sustainable Water Safety Plan, based on intrinsic water properties and photocatalytic materials. The antimicrobial activity of four different SPA waters with high mineral content and one drinkable spring water with a low mineral content, was assessed and then tested for the additional bactericidal activity of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials and/or light exposure at different wavelengths (200-635 nm). A native antibacterial activity was observed in all high mineral content waters, with a CFU reduction of 75-80%. The bactericidal action of TiO2 showed an additional incremental effect, with a reduction of over 99% within 2-5 h. Interestingly, the antibacterial photocatalytic effect was detected also in the visible light range, with a possible pick around 450-455 nm, blue-light. Based on observed results, we propose a model for developing a water safety plan, considering water properties and bather exposure. This candidate approach is personalized on water composition and pool use, trying to avoid chemical disinfectants. Photocatalytic nanotechnologies represent one of the promising alternative treatments and can provide novel perspectives for a sustainable managing of natural SPA water hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lory Marika Margarucci
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romano Spica
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gianfranceschi
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Valeriani
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
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Felice A, Franchi M, De Martin S, Vitacolonna N, Iacumin L, Civilini M. Environmental surveillance and spatio-temporal analysis of Legionella spp. in a region of northeastern Italy (2002-2017). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218687. [PMID: 31287819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella spp. are considered an important cause of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality, making environmental surveillance a crucial component of risk assessment plans. In this work, 20,319 water samples were collected in 3,983 environmental surveys during a 16-year period by ARPA, the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the results were studied to better understand the diffusion mechanisms of Legionella. The data showed a strong seasonal signal, a prevalence of L. pneumophila serogroup 2–15 in most environments (63% of positive samples), a prevalence of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in swimming pool-associated environments (82% of positive samples), a persistent presence of Legionella in hospitals and a recurrent presence of Legionella in other facilities such as hotels, possibly years after interventions, highlighting the difficulty of eradicating the bacteria. Retrospective spatio-temporal analyses on geocoded historical data were carried out with SaTScan using an ordinal model with risk as a covariate to identify potential clusters with an excess of cases in the higher-risk categories. Although no outbreaks occurred during the period of study, such analyses identified spatially restricted zones with unusual contamination, which sometimes were also areas in which several surveys triggered by notifications of clinical cases were performed. Simulations of periodic prospective analyses permitted the assessment of the efficacy of the method in early detection of such clusters. The proposed method may be a useful tool in environmental surveillance, prevention and control of Legionella.
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Vincenti S, de Waure C, Raponi M, Teleman AA, Boninti F, Bruno S, Boccia S, Damiani G, Laurenti P. Environmental surveillance of Legionella spp. colonization in the water system of a large academic hospital: Analysis of the four-year results on the effectiveness of the chlorine dioxide disinfection method. Sci Total Environ 2019; 657:248-253. [PMID: 30543973 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The prevention of Legionella colonization of water systems is one of the goals of hospital management. Among chemical disinfection methods, chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has been largely used to control Legionella spp. in water systems. We performed a retrospective study to analyse data deriving from the surveillance plan of the water system in a large academic hospital in Rome (Italy) during the period August 2011 and August 2018. We collected the data deriving from the routine water samples used to monitor Legionella spp. colonization. Data from the water samples collected from 163 selected sampling points (hot water tanks, the return loop and distal outlets) was analysed using a life table analysis in order to investigate the duration of the effectiveness of the ClO2 method in eradicating Legionella spp. The colonization of the water sample by Legionella spp. was considered as the outcome. Our results show that in 81,59% of the sampling points Legionella spp. were never detected at four years of follow up. Chemical and physical characteristics of the water were also compared between the samples which were positive for Legionella spp. and those which were not. No association was found between these factors. The knowledge of the duration over time of the effectiveness of the ClO2 disinfection method could support decision-making processes in the framework of Risk Management activities in hospitals. Future studies could also be conducted in hospitals to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of different Legionella spp. colonization prevention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vincenti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara de Waure
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Raponi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Adele Anna Teleman
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Boninti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Bruno
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
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Valeriani F, Margarucci LM, Romano Spica V. Recreational Use of Spa Thermal Waters: Criticisms and Perspectives for Innovative Treatments. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E2675. [PMID: 30487383 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural spa springs are diffused all over the world and their use in pools is known since ancient times. This review underlines the cultural and social spa context focusing on hygiene issues, public health guidelines and emerging concerns regarding water management in wellness or recreational settings. The question of the "untouchability" of therapeutic natural waters and their incompatibility with traditional disinfection processes is addressed considering the demand for effective treatments that would respect the natural properties. Available strategies and innovative treatments are reviewed, highlighting potentials and limits for a sustainable management. Alternative approaches comprise nanotechnologies, photocatalysis systems, advanced filtration. State of the art and promising perspectives are reported considering the chemical-physical component and the biological natural complexity of the spa water microbiota.
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