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Sanguino-Jorquera DG, Poma HR, Rajal VB, Juárez MM, Irazusta VP. [Human parasites in surface water used for recreation in Salta, Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2023:S0325-7541(23)00085-8. [PMID: 38155042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.11.001] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Waterborne diseases can have different origins, micro-organisms such as bacteria and parasites being the most important ones. In this study, two recreational aquatic environments were studied in the province of Salta, Argentina. Water samples collected from three different locations, two from a creek and one from the outlet of a thermal complex, were monitored at four time points. Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of each point was conducted, as well as a search for parasites and amebae. Parasites were identified through optical microscopy observations and free-living amebae (FLA) were isolated by spiking in Petri dishes followed by subsequent molecular identification. Water samples from the outlet of the thermal complex showed different physicochemical characteristics from those of the creek. Bacterial indicators of contamination were detected at all points; however, the creek water had a significantly higher concentration of Pseudomonas sp. Sporadically, creek samples exhibited Ascaris spp. eggs, Giardia sp. cysts, and ancylostomid eggs. The presence of FLA was observed in all samples, 15 of which were isolated and identified as Acanthamoeba sp., mostly belonging to the T4 genotype. Parasite surveillance in recreational aquatic environments is an important complement to traditional microbial indicators for assessing water quality. The identified parasites represent a potential health risk for people using these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego G Sanguino-Jorquera
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Hugo R Poma
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Salta, Argentina; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapur, Singapur.
| | - María M Juárez
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Verónica P Irazusta
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Salta, Argentina
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Kim M, Shapiro K, Rajal VB, Packham A, Aguilar B, Rueda L, Wuertz S. Quantification of viable protozoan parasites on leafy greens using molecular methods. Food Microbiol 2021; 99:103816. [PMID: 34119101 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Protozoan contamination in produce is of growing importance due to their capacity to cause illnesses in consumers of fresh leafy greens. Viability assays are essential to accurately estimate health risk caused by viable parasites that contaminate food. We evaluated the efficacy of reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), propidium monoazide coupled with (q)PCR, and viability staining using propidium iodide through systematic laboratory spiking experiments for selective detection of viable Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia enterica, and Toxoplasma gondii. In the presence of only viable protozoa, the RT-qPCR assays could accurately detect two to nine (oo)cysts/g spinach (in 10 g processed). When different proportions of viable and inactivated parasite were spiked, mRNA concentrations correlated with increasing proportions of viable (oo)cysts, although low levels of false-positive mRNA signals were detectable in the presence of high amounts of inactivated protozoa. Our study demonstrated that among the methods tested, RT-qPCR performed more effectively to discriminate viable from inactivated C. parvum, G. enterica and T. gondii on spinach. This application of viability methods on leafy greens can be adopted by the produce industry and regulatory agencies charged with protection of human public health to screen leafy greens for the presence of viable protozoan pathogen contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Kim
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Facultad de Ingeniería and Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta, 4400, Argentina; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Andrea Packham
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Beatriz Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Lezlie Rueda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NTU, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 649798, Singapore.
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Thompson JR, Nancharaiah YV, Gu X, Lee WL, Rajal VB, Haines MB, Girones R, Ng LC, Alm EJ, Wuertz S. Making waves: Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 for population-based health management. Water Res 2020; 184:116181. [PMID: 32707307 PMCID: PMC7357518 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [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: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, clinical data remain the gold standard for disease surveillance and tracking. However, such data are limited due to factors such as reporting bias and inability to track asymptomatic disease carriers. Disease agents are excreted in the urine and feces of infected individuals regardless of disease symptom severity. Wastewater surveillance - that is, monitoring disease via human effluent - represents a valuable complement to clinical approaches. Because wastewater is relatively inexpensive and easy to collect and can be monitored at different levels of population aggregation as needed, wastewater surveillance can offer a real-time, cost-effective view of a community's health that is independent of biases associated with case-reporting. For SARS-CoV-2 and other disease-causing agents we envision an aggregate wastewater-monitoring system at the level of a wastewater treatment plant and exploratory or confirmatory monitoring of the sewerage system at the neighborhood scale to identify or confirm clusters of infection or assess impact of control measures where transmission has been established. Implementation will require constructing a framework with collaborating government agencies, public or private utilities, and civil society organizations for appropriate use of data collected from wastewater, identification of an appropriate scale of sample collection and aggregation to balance privacy concerns and risk of stigmatization with public health preservation, and consideration of the social implications of wastewater surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle R Thompson
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore; Asian School of the Environment, NTU, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore.
| | - Yarlagadda V Nancharaiah
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Chemistry Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Lin Lee
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore; Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, UNSa, Salta, Argentina
| | - Monamie B Haines
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; School of Social Sciences, Sociology Division, NTU, Singapore
| | - Rosina Girones
- Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal, 643, 08028-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Ching Ng
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore
| | - Eric J Alm
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Departments of Biological Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States; Biobot Analytics, Cambridge MA, United States
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NTU, Singapore.
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Romano-Armada N, Yañez-Yazlle MF, Irazusta VP, Rajal VB, Moraga NB. Potential of Bioremediation and PGP Traits in Streptomyces as Strategies for Bio-Reclamation of Salt-Affected Soils for Agriculture. Pathogens 2020; 9:E117. [PMID: 32069867 PMCID: PMC7169405 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental limitations influence food production and distribution, adding up to global problems like world hunger. Conditions caused by climate change require global efforts to be improved, but others like soil degradation demand local management. For many years, saline soils were not a problem; indeed, natural salinity shaped different biomes around the world. However, overall saline soils present adverse conditions for plant growth, which then translate into limitations for agriculture. Shortage on the surface of productive land, either due to depletion of arable land or to soil degradation, represents a threat to the growing worldwide population. Hence, the need to use degraded land leads scientists to think of recovery alternatives. In the case of salt-affected soils (naturally occurring or human-made), which are traditionally washed or amended with calcium salts, bio-reclamation via microbiome presents itself as an innovative and environmentally friendly option. Due to their low pathogenicity, endurance to adverse environmental conditions, and production of a wide variety of secondary metabolic compounds, members of the genus Streptomyces are good candidates for bio-reclamation of salt-affected soils. Thus, plant growth promotion and soil bioremediation strategies combine to overcome biotic and abiotic stressors, providing green management options for agriculture in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neli Romano-Armada
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; (N.R.-A.); (M.F.Y.-Y.); (V.P.I.); (N.B.M.)
- Facultad de Ingeniería, UNSa, Salta 4400, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Yañez-Yazlle
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; (N.R.-A.); (M.F.Y.-Y.); (V.P.I.); (N.B.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNSa, Salta 4400, Argentina
| | - Verónica P. Irazusta
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; (N.R.-A.); (M.F.Y.-Y.); (V.P.I.); (N.B.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNSa, Salta 4400, Argentina
| | - Verónica B. Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; (N.R.-A.); (M.F.Y.-Y.); (V.P.I.); (N.B.M.)
- Facultad de Ingeniería, UNSa, Salta 4400, Argentina
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Norma B. Moraga
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; (N.R.-A.); (M.F.Y.-Y.); (V.P.I.); (N.B.M.)
- Facultad de Ingeniería, UNSa, Salta 4400, Argentina
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Romano-Armada N, Amoroso MJ, Rajal VB. Construction of a combined soil quality indicator to assess the effect of glyphosate application. Sci Total Environ 2019; 682:639-649. [PMID: 31129546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the use of agrochemicals allowed increasing the crops productivity, in many cases led to soil deterioration. In this study, eight composite samples from different soils of two locations (San Martín and Anta) in Salta, Argentina, were collected and analyzed. All the samples were from loamy Entisols (0-20 cm depth) under reduced tillage without and with direct spray application of glyphosate. Twenty six variables were determined (physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators). From them, those of higher specificity and sensitivity to changes following glyphosate application were identified by a stepwise reduction of variables aided by statistical analysis. Samples were grouped regarding location and application of glyphosate, to identify differential effects upon variables, and glyphosate sensitive variables were selected by discarding those influenced by other factors. Thence, they were used to compose a first approximation to a combined soil quality indicator (CSQI) to assess the effect of glyphosate use in agriculture upon the soil. Overall, the set of physical variables showed the same discriminating structure as the biological set. Finally, two biological, two chemical, and two physical indicators resulted as the most specific to quality variations by the application of the herbicide, being the most sensitive the microbial biomass carbon and the (Aminomethyl)phosphonic acid concentration in soil. When these two were considered into a CSQI, it was possible to discriminate samples with the application of glyphosate (lower quality) from those without application (higher quality). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to propose a CSQI that could play an important role to prevent degradation in soils subjected to glyphosate application, as it could aid in the early detection of soil quality loss. This would provide to land managers a decision tool to let the land rest from glyphosate application, to ensure sustainable practices in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neli Romano-Armada
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), UNSa - CONICET, Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta Capital 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta Capital 4400, Argentina
| | - María J Amoroso
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros, San Miguel de Tucumán 4000, Argentina
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), UNSa - CONICET, Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta Capital 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta Capital 4400, Argentina; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Pisano MB, Lugo BC, Poma R, Cristóbal HA, Raskovsky V, Martínez Wassaf MG, Rajal VB, Ré VE. Environmental hepatitis E virus detection supported by serological evidence in the northwest of Argentina. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019; 112:181-187. [PMID: 29800346 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Water contamination is a possible source of viral infection. In South America, particularly in Argentina, little is known about environmental HEV circulation, including recreational water. The aim of this work was to provide evidence of current environmental and human circulation of HEV in northern Argentina. Methods Molecular detection of HEV in water samples from the Arias-Arenales River in the city of Salta by nested polymerase chain reaction (ORF2 region) and anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM detection in the general population by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out. Results HEV RNA was detected in 1.6% (3/189) of the environmental samples. All sequences belonged to HEV genotype 3 and were very similar to those previously detected in the country. The prevalence of IgG anti-HEV was 9% (13/143) and three samples were positive for specific IgM. Conclusions Circulation of HEV in the northwest of Argentina was demonstrated for the first time, showing viral presence in environmental samples and infections in people who attended health care centres for routine control. These findings show that recreational waters are a possible source of virus and highlight the need to carry out HEV detection when a case of hepatitis occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Pisano
- Instituto de Virología 'Dr. J. M. Vanella', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, CONICET, Enfermera Gordillo Gómez s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, X5016, Córdoba, Argentina.,Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Av. Armada Argentina 3555, X5016DHK, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Belén C Lugo
- Instituto de Virología 'Dr. J. M. Vanella', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, CONICET, Enfermera Gordillo Gómez s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, X5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Poma
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, CP: 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Héctor A Cristóbal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, CP: 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Viviana Raskovsky
- Hospital Señor del Milagro, Av. Sarmiento 557, CP: 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Maribel G Martínez Wassaf
- Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Av. Armada Argentina 3555, X5016DHK, Córdoba, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Virología y biología molecular, LACE, Av. Vélez Sársfield 528, X5000JJS, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, CP: 4400, Salta, Argentina.,Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bernardo Houssay 1099, CP: 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Viviana E Ré
- Instituto de Virología 'Dr. J. M. Vanella', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, CONICET, Enfermera Gordillo Gómez s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, X5016, Córdoba, Argentina.,Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Av. Armada Argentina 3555, X5016DHK, Córdoba, Argentina
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Juárez MM, Tártara LI, Cid AG, Real JP, Bermúdez JM, Rajal VB, Palma SD. Acanthamoeba in the eye, can the parasite hide even more? Latest developments on the disease. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2017; 41:245-251. [PMID: 29273391 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. is a free living protozoan in the environment, but can cause serious diseases. Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a severe and painful eye infection, must be treated as soon as possible to prevent ulceration of the cornea, loss of visual acuity, and eventually blindness or enucleation. Although the disease affects principally contact lens (CLs) wearers, it is recognized nowadays as a cause of keratitis also in non-CLs wearers. Although the number of infections caused by these amoebae is low, AK is an emerging disease presenting an extended number of cases each year worldwide mostly due to the increasing use of CLs, but also to better diagnostic methods and awareness. There are two principal causes that lead to severe outcomes: misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of the causal agent, and lack of a fully effective therapy due to the existence of a highly resistant cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. Recent studies have reported different genotypes that have not been previously associated with this disease. In addition, Acanthamoeba can act as a reservoir for phylogenetically diverse microorganisms. In this regard, recently giant viruses called Pandoravirus have been found within genotypes producing keratitis. What potential risk this poses is not yet known. This review focuses on an overview of the present status and future prospects of this re-emerging pathology, including features of the parasite, epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Juárez
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - L I Tártara
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A G Cid
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - J P Real
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J M Bermúdez
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - V B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta), Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400, Salta, Argentina; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - S D Palma
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica (UNITEFA, CONICET - Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Gutiérrez-Cacciabue D, Cid AG, Rajal VB. How long can culturable bacteria and total DNA persist in environmental waters? The role of sunlight and solid particles. Sci Total Environ 2016; 539:494-502. [PMID: 26379262 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, sunlight inactivation of two indicator bacteria in freshwater, with and without solid particles, was studied and the persistence of culturable cells and total DNA was compared. Environmental water was used to prepare two matrices, with and without solid particles, which were spiked with Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. These matrices were used to prepare microcosm bags that were placed in two containers: one exposed to sunlight and the other in the dark. During one month, samples were removed from each container and detection was done by membrane filter technique and real-time PCR. Kinetic parameters were calculated to assess sunlight effect. Indicator bacteria without solid particles exposed to sunlight suffered an immediate decay (<4h) compared with the ones which were shielded from them. In addition, the survival of both bacteria with solid particles varied depending on the situation analyzed (T99 from 3 up to 60days), being always culturable E. coli more persistent than E. faecalis. On the other side, E. faecalis DNA persisted much longer than culturable cells (T99>40h in the dark with particles). In this case active cells were more prone to sunlight than total DNA and the protective effect of solid particles was also observed. Results highlight that the effects caused by the parameters which describe the behavior of culturable microorganisms and total DNA in water are different and must be included in simulation models but without forgetting that these parameters will also depend on bacterial properties, sensitizers, composition, type, and uses of the aquatic environment under assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Gutiérrez-Cacciabue
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina.
| | - Alicia G Cid
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina.
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Gutiérrez-Cacciabue D, Cid AG, Rajal VB. How long can culturable bacteria and total DNA persist in environmental waters? The role of sunlight and solid particles. Sci Total Environ 2016. [PMID: 26379262 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
In this work, sunlight inactivation of two indicator bacteria in freshwater, with and without solid particles, was studied and the persistence of culturable cells and total DNA was compared. Environmental water was used to prepare two matrices, with and without solid particles, which were spiked with Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. These matrices were used to prepare microcosm bags that were placed in two containers: one exposed to sunlight and the other in the dark. During one month, samples were removed from each container and detection was done by membrane filter technique and real-time PCR. Kinetic parameters were calculated to assess sunlight effect. Indicator bacteria without solid particles exposed to sunlight suffered an immediate decay (<4h) compared with the ones which were shielded from them. In addition, the survival of both bacteria with solid particles varied depending on the situation analyzed (T99 from 3 up to 60days), being always culturable E. coli more persistent than E. faecalis. On the other side, E. faecalis DNA persisted much longer than culturable cells (T99>40h in the dark with particles). In this case active cells were more prone to sunlight than total DNA and the protective effect of solid particles was also observed. Results highlight that the effects caused by the parameters which describe the behavior of culturable microorganisms and total DNA in water are different and must be included in simulation models but without forgetting that these parameters will also depend on bacterial properties, sensitizers, composition, type, and uses of the aquatic environment under assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Gutiérrez-Cacciabue
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina.
| | - Alicia G Cid
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina.
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta (INIQUI - CONICET, UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Av. Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, Argentina; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Rodriguez-Alvarez MS, Weir MH, Pope JM, Seghezzo L, Rajal VB, Salusso MM, Moraña LB. Development of a relative risk model for drinking water regulation and design recommendations for a peri urban region of Argentina. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2015; 218:627-38. [PMID: 26190481 PMCID: PMC7187401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Argentina is a developing Latin American nation that has an aim of achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for potable water supplies. Their current regulations however, limit the continued development of improved potable water quality and infrastructure from a microbiological viewpoint. This is since the current regulations are focused solely to pathogenic Eschericia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and fecal indicators. Regions of lower socioeconomic status such as peri-urban areas are particularly at risk due to lessened financial and political ability to influence their environmental quality and infrastructure needs. Therefore, a combined microbiological sampling, analysis and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) modeling effort were engaged for a peri-urban area of Salta Argentina. Drinking water samples from home taps were analyzed and a QMRA model was developed, results of which were compared against a general 1:10,000 risk level for lack of a current Argentinian standard. This QMRA model was able to demonstrate that the current regulations were being achieved for E. coli but were less than acceptable for P. aeruginosa in some instances. Appropriate health protections are far from acceptable for Giardia for almost all water sources. Untreated water sources were sampled and analyzed then QMRA modeled as well, since a significant number of the community (∼9%) still use them for potable water supplies. For untreated water E. coli risks were near 1:10,000, however, P. aeruginosa and Giardia risks failed to be acceptable in almost all instances. The QMRA model and microbiological analyses demonstrate the need for improved regulatory efforts for the peri-urban area along with improved investment in their water infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Soledad Rodriguez-Alvarez
- National Agency for the Advancement of Science and Technology (ANPCyT), Avenida Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina; INENCO-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina.
| | - Mark H Weir
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; CAMRA Consultants LLC, Lansing, MI, USA.
| | | | - Lucas Seghezzo
- INENCO-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina
| | - Verónica B Rajal
- INIQUI-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina
| | - María Mónica Salusso
- National Agency for the Advancement of Science and Technology (ANPCyT), Avenida Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina
| | - Liliana B Moraña
- National Agency for the Advancement of Science and Technology (ANPCyT), Avenida Bolivia 5150, A4408FVY Salta, Argentina
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Cacciabue DG, Juárez MM, Poma HR, Garcé B, Rajal VB. Cuantificación y evaluación de la estacionalidad de elementos parasitarios en ambientes acuáticos recreativos de la provincia de Salta, Argentina. Rev Argent Microbiol 2014; 46:150-60. [DOI: 10.1016/s0325-7541(14)70064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Méndez ML, Romero AI, Rajal VB, Castro EF, Calvo JI, Palacio L, Hernández A. Properties of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes modified with polyethylene glycols. POLYM ENG SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.23637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes L. Méndez
- Facultad de Ingeniería - UNSa - Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química; CONICET - CIUNSa Av.; Bolivia 5150 c/p 4400 Salta Argentina
| | - Analía I. Romero
- Facultad de Ingeniería - UNSa - Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química; CONICET - CIUNSa Av.; Bolivia 5150 c/p 4400 Salta Argentina
| | - Verónica B. Rajal
- Facultad de Ingeniería - UNSa - Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química; CONICET - CIUNSa Av.; Bolivia 5150 c/p 4400 Salta Argentina
- Fogarty International Center; University of California at Davis; Davis California
| | - Elza F. Castro
- Facultad de Ingeniería - UNSa - Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química; CONICET - CIUNSa Av.; Bolivia 5150 c/p 4400 Salta Argentina
| | - José I. Calvo
- SMAP; Paseo Belén 7, Campus Miguel Delibes, Universidad de Valladolid 47071 Valladolid Spain
| | - Laura Palacio
- SMAP; Paseo Belén 7, Campus Miguel Delibes, Universidad de Valladolid 47071 Valladolid Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández
- SMAP; Paseo Belén 7, Campus Miguel Delibes, Universidad de Valladolid 47071 Valladolid Spain
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Rajal VB, Cid AG, Cruz MC, Poma HR, Cacciabue DG, Romano N, Moraga NB, Last JA. Increasing capacity for environmental engineering in Salta, Argentina. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:11-9. [PMID: 22467330 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22044] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the United States National Institutes of Health includes the International Training and Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (ITREOH) Program. The "International Training Program in Environmental Toxicology and Public Health" Center, funded in 2002 is based at the University of California, Davis, and is part of the ITREOH group of Centers. It has major efforts focused at the public universities in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Salta, Argentina. RESULTS Training and research efforts in Salta begun in 2005 in the College of Engineering. A donated used real-time PCR machine was the starting point and the initial FIC support was instrumental to face other problems including physical space, research projects and grants, trainees, training, networking, and distractions/opportunities in order to develop local capacities in Environmental Engineering using modern methodology. After 6 years of successful work, the Salta center has become a reference Center in the field, and is still growing and consolidating. CONCLUSIONS This program has had a significant impact locally and regionally. The model used in Argentina could be easily adapted to other fields or types of projects in Argentina and in other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica B Rajal
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química, INIQUI-CONICET, UNSa, Salta, Argentina.
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Blanco Fernández MD, Torres C, Riviello-López G, Poma HR, Rajal VB, Nates S, Cisterna DM, Campos RH, Mbayed VA. Analysis of the circulation of hepatitis A virus in Argentina since vaccine introduction. Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18:E548-51. [PMID: 23072283 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has shown intermediate endemicity in Argentina, but its incidence has decreased since vaccine introduction in 2005. Environmental surveillance was conducted in five rivers from Argentina from 2005 to 2012, complementing clinical information. HAV detection decreased since 2005, although its circulation continues, maintaining viral diversity but not undergoing antigenic drift. Most sequences belonged to subgenotype IA, closely related to Argentinean clinical sequences, but one belonged to proposed subgenotype IC, previously undetected in the country. Environmental surveillance might contribute to monitoring the single-dose vaccination schedule, representing not only strains causing disease but also the circulating population and the viral introductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Blanco Fernández
- Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Argentina
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Fernández MDB, Torres C, Poma HR, Riviello-López G, Martínez LC, Cisterna DM, Rajal VB, Nates SV, Mbayed VA. Environmental surveillance of norovirus in Argentina revealed distinct viral diversity patterns, seasonality and spatio-temporal diffusion processes. Sci Total Environ 2012; 437:262-9. [PMID: 22944218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) contamination was evaluated in five rivers of Argentina between 2005 and 2011. NoV was present in all sampled rivers, with distinct NoV patterns in waters impacted by different-sized communities. In rivers affected by medium-sized populations (Salta and Córdoba cities) only one or two genotypes were present, GII.4 being the main one, with winter seasonality. In contrast, in the much more heavily populated area of Buenos Aires city the prevalent GII.4 was accompanied by several additional genotypes (GII.4, GII.b, GII.2, GII.7, GII.17, GII.e and GII.g) and one ungenotyped GII NoV, with no clear seasonality. GII.4 2006b was the main variant detected (60.9%). Phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses performed in region D of the VP1 gene showed a most recent common ancestor in 2002 and a substitution rate of 3.7×10(-3) substitutions per site per year (HPD95%=2.3×10(-3)-5.2×10(-3)) for this variant still involving a significant population size with a slight decrease since 2008. The spatio-temporal diffusion analysis proposed Europe as an intermediate path between the American Continent and the rest of the World for NoV dissemination. Given the importance of NoV as a cause of epidemic gastroenteritis and the likelihood of its environmental transmission, the results of this work should increase public and institutional awareness of the health risk involved in sewage discharges into the environment. Environmental surveillance of enteric viruses could be a very useful tool not only to prevent waterborne outbreaks, but also to describe the epidemiology of the viruses. The detailed analysis of the viral genomes disposed into the environment contributed to the characterization of the dissemination, diversity and seasonality of NoV in its natural host population. In future studies, environmental surveillance and molecular analysis should be complemented with a quantitative viral risk assessment for estimating the disease burden from viruses in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María D Blanco Fernández
- Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Argentina
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Poma HR, Davies C, Gutiérrez Cacciabue D, Mora MC, Basombrío MÁ, Rajal VB. [Comparison of nucleic acid extraction efficiency using different commercial kits and qPCR. Effect of inhibitors]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2012; 44:144-149. [PMID: 23102460] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of specific nucleic acid (NA) sequences by PCR has revolutionized the biological and medical sciences. Real-time PCR (qPCR) opened up the possibility of obtaining quantitative results. NA extraction is a decisive step prior to qPCR since it may produce either the removal or co-extraction of inhibitory substances of the enzymatic reaction, which in turn affects the amplification efficiency. In the present work we compared the commercial NA extraction kits from Qiagen, Invitrogen and Macherey-Nagel, which were used to extract DNA from mice blood artificially infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and PP7 RNA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage, in spiked aqueous matrices. NA recovery efficiency in samples without inhibitors was similar for the three extraction kits. However, the Invitrogen kit was the only one that remained unaffected in the presence of inhibitors in the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Poma
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIQUI - CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta (4400), Argentina
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Cruz MC, Cacciabue DG, Gil JF, Gamboni O, Vicente MS, Wuertz S, Gonzo E, Rajal VB. The impact of point source pollution on shallow groundwater used for human consumption in a threshold country. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2338-49. [DOI: 10.1039/c2em30322a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Cid AG, Rajal VB. New teaching strategies to improve student performance in fundamentals of biotechnology. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2011; 12:46-47. [PMID: 23653740 PMCID: PMC3577206 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v12i1.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fundamentals in Biotechnology is part of the Chemical Engineering curriculum at the National University at Salta, in northwest Argentina. This course, given for four months in the fourth year of a five-year program of study, includes concepts of general microbiology, biochemistry, and industrial microbiology and is the first contact by the students with biological issues. Probably due to the long content of the course and to the lack of previous knowledge of biological and microbiological concepts, students have a lot of difficulty passing this course. In order to reach a better understanding of the concepts, to encourage students to learn biotechnology, and to develop critical thinking skills with the ultimate aim of improving performance, two new strategies were adopted, which consisted of including “Complementary Activities” and an “Integration Seminar.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G Cid
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta. INIQUI, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Argentina
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Abstract
In the province of Salta, in the Northwest region of Argentina, almost two-thirds of the population live in absolute poverty, and diseases associated with poverty are rampant. Almost 12% of the total population of the province are children below 5 years of age; almost half of these infants are living in situations where the basic necessities are not available. Primitive sanitary conditions, including widespread contamination of available water supplies with pathogens, contribute to a major public health problem. Infant mortality was 17% higher for Salta than for Argentina as a whole in 2001. A major cause of death for these children is infectious disease, especially respiratory and intestinal diseases. In Salta, more than half of the total population of infants is affected by diarrhoea annually. The infectious pathogens are diverse: bacteria (predominantly in spring and summer), viruses (especially in the winter) and parasites (endemic in some situations). This paper evaluates current methods used to test for the presence of pathogens in drinking water; discusses why these methods are less than adequate; documents an episode of contamination in a local water supply source; and suggests appropriate methods that can be used to better address this major public health issue effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Rajal
- INIQUI, Facultad de Ingenieria, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Argentina
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20
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Aramayo CF, Gil JF, Cruz MC, Poma HR, Last MS, Rajal VB. Diarrhea and parasitosis in Salta, Argentina. J Infect Dev Ctries 2009; 3:105-11. [PMID: 19755739 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salta city is the capital of the province with the same name located in the northwest of Argentina. Its great growth over the last decade was not organized and the population expanded to occupy places where water and sanitation were not yet available. Although the Arenales River, crossing the city, receives the impact of point and non-point source pollution, the water is used for many purposes, including domestic in the poorest areas, industrial, and recreational with children as the main users. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 24% of the global disease burden and 23% of all deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. In particular, an estimated 94% of the diarrheal burden of disease is attributable to environment, and is associated with risk factors such as unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene. Chronic diarrhea can be caused by an infection or other etiologies; however, most of the times the etiological agent is not identified. METHODOLOGY All the cases of diarrhea and parasitosis reported during 2005 in four public health centers of the city of Salta were classified by gender and age, analyzed, and represented geographically to show areas of higher morbidity rates, which were probably related to environmental factors. RESULTS Water, poor sanitation, and pollution are candidate risk factors. Diarrhea cases showed seasonality, with the highest incidence during late spring and summer, while parasitosis was persistent throughout the year. CONCLUSION Our spatial analysis permitted us to detect the regions of higher incidence of diarrhea and parasitosis during 2005 in the area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian F Aramayo
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Rajal VB, McSwain BS, Thompson DE, Leutenegger CM, Wuertz S. Molecular quantitative analysis of human viruses in California stormwater. Water Res 2007; 41:4287-98. [PMID: 17628629 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2007.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 05/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Many human pathogenic viruses are transmitted via the oral-fecal route and water is one possible vector, representing a risk for public health. Sixty-one large-volume water samples from storm drains in California were processed by a two-step hollow fiber ultrafiltration procedure followed by molecular analysis for human enterovirus and adenovirus types. Each sample was spiked with a surrogate, the benign bacteriophage PP7. Both surrogate and human viruses were quantified by newly designed TaqMan PCR assays. Equations were developed that account for the main variables in the procedure: recovery of the ultrafiltration, efficiency of nucleic acid extraction, and effect of inhibitors on the amplification of viral targets. Adenovirus 40/41 was detected in one sample at 230 genomes per liter, and no other adenovirus or enterovirus types were found. Samples that resulted in nondetects are reported together with the corresponding sample-specific limit of detection (S(LOD)), a useful tool when estimating the public health risk associated with the contact or ingestion of water. Virus concentrations did not correlate with traditional viable indicator concentrations or any of the physicochemical parameters measured. In contrast, coliform concentrations were correlated with total suspended solids. To our knowledge, this is the first study where all factors known to influence limits of detection have been investigated and integrated into equations that are widely applicable to the quantification of viruses or other microbial targets by PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Rajal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Thompson DE, Rajal VB, De Batz S, Wuertz S. Detection of Salmonella spp. in water using magnetic capture hybridization combined with PCR or real-time PCR. J Water Health 2006; 4:67-75. [PMID: 16604839] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The removal of target DNA by magnetic capture hybridization (MCH) from constituents inhibitory to amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated using Salmonella as the test pathogen. Hybrids were subjected to both conventional and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). When PCR inhibitors commonly found in water were added to the reaction, MCH-PCR increased the detection sensitivity on the order of 8 to 2,000-fold compared with the system using only PCR. To determine the selectivity of MCH for target DNA (Salmonella), different amounts of non-target DNA (Escherichia coli) were added to the qPCR reaction. The highest non-target DNA concentration interfered with the amplification by qPCR alone, while MCH-qPCR was unaffected. Average recovery of Salmonella DNA by MCH-qPCR was 31% using optimized buffers, washing solutions and enzymatic digestion. A recovery function was proposed in order to calculate the real cell number based on the measured value. Preliminary testing confirmed the suitability of this method for analysis of natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Thompson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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