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Grossmann NV, Milne C, Martinez MR, Relucio K, Sadeghi B, Wiley EN, Holland SN, Rutschmann S, Vugia DJ, Kimura A, Crain C, Akter F, Mukhopadhyay R, Crandall J, Shorrock M, Smith JC, Prasad N, Kahn R, Barskey AE, Lee S, Willby MJ, Kozak-Muiznieks NA, Lucas CE, Henderson KC, Hamlin JAP, Yang E, Clemmons NS, Ritter T, Henn J. Large Community Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease Potentially Associated with a Cooling Tower - Napa County, California, 2022. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:1315-1320. [PMID: 38060434 PMCID: PMC10715825 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7249a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Legionnaires disease is a serious infection acquired by inhalation of water droplets from human-made building water systems that contain Legionella bacteria. On July 11 and 12, 2022, Napa County Public Health (NCPH) in California received reports of three positive urinary antigen tests for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in the town of Napa. By July 21, six Legionnaires disease cases had been confirmed among Napa County residents, compared with a baseline of one or two cases per year. NCPH requested assistance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CDC to aid in the investigations. Close temporal and geospatial clustering permitted a focused environmental sampling strategy of high-risk facilities which, coupled with whole genome sequencing results from samples and investigation of water system maintenance, facilitated potential linking of the outbreak with an environmental source. NCPH, with technical support from CDC and CDPH, instructed and monitored remediation practices for all environmental locations that tested positive for Legionella. The investigation response to this community outbreak illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration by public health agencies, laboratory support, timely communication with the public, and cooperation of managers of potentially implicated water systems. Timely identification of possible sources, sampling, and remediation of any facility testing positive for Legionella is crucial to interrupting further transmission.
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Comparative Genomics of Legionella pneumophila Isolates from the West Bank and Germany Support Molecular Epidemiology of Legionnaires' Disease. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020449. [PMID: 36838414 PMCID: PMC9965269 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is an environmental bacterium and clinical pathogen that causes many life-threating outbreaks of an atypical pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease (LD). Studies of this pathogen have focused mainly on Europe and the United States. A shortage in L. pneumophila data is clearly observed for developing countries. To reduce this knowledge gap, L. pneumophila isolates were studied in two widely different geographical areas, i.e., the West Bank and Germany. For this study, we sequenced and compared the whole genome of 38 clinical and environmental isolates of L. pneumophila covering different MLVA-8(12) genotypes in the two areas. Sequencing was conducted using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. In addition, two isolates (A194 and H3) were sequenced using a Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII platform to generate complete reference genomes from each of the geographical areas. Genome sequences from 55 L. pneumophila strains, including 17 reference strains, were aligned with the genome sequence of the closest strain (L. pneumophila strain Alcoy). A whole genome phylogeny based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was created using the ParSNP software v 1.0. The reference genomes obtained for isolates A194 and H3 consisted of circular chromosomes of 3,467,904 bp and 3,691,263 bp, respectively. An average of 36,418 SNPs (min. 8569, max. 70,708 SNPs) against our reference strain L. pneumophila str. Alcoy, and 2367 core-genes were identified among the fifty-five strains. An analysis of the genomic population structure by SNP comparison divided the fifty-five L. pneumophila strains into six branches. Individual isolates in sub-lineages in these branches differed by less than 120 SNPs if they had the same MLVA genotype and were isolated from the same location. A bioinformatics analysis identified the genomic islands (GIs) for horizontal gene transfer and mobile genetic elements, demonstrating that L. pneumophila showed high genome plasticity. Four L. pneumophila isolates (H3, A29, A129 and L10-091) contained well-defined plasmids. On average, only about half of the plasmid genes could be matched to proteins in databases. In silico phage findings suggested that 43 strains contained at least one phage. However, none of them were found to be complete. BLASTp analysis of proteins from the type IV secretion Dot/Icm system showed those proteins highly conserved, with less than 25% structural differences in the new L. pneumophila isolates. Overall, we demonstrated that whole genome sequencing provides a molecular surveillance tool for L. pneumophila at the highest conceivable discriminatory level, i.e., two to eight SNPs were observed for isolates from the same location but several years apart.
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Girolamini L, Pascale MR, Mazzotta M, Spiteri S, Marino F, Salaris S, Grottola A, Orsini M, Cristino S. Combining Traditional and Molecular Techniques Supports the Discovery of a Novel Legionella Species During Environmental Surveillance in a Healthcare Facility. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:900936. [PMID: 35770167 PMCID: PMC9234573 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.900936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella surveillance plays a significant role not only to prevent the risk of infection but also to study the ecology of isolates, their characteristics, and how their prevalence changes in the environment. The difficulty in Legionella isolation, identification, and typing results in a low notification rate; therefore, human infection is still underestimated. In addition, during Legionella surveillance, the special attention given to Legionella pneumophila leads to an underestimation of the prevalence and risk of infection for other species. This study describes the workflow performed during environmental Legionella surveillance that resulted in the isolation of two strains, named 8cVS16 and 9fVS26, associated with the genus Legionella. Traditional and novel approaches such as standard culture technique, MALDI-TOF MS, gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis were combined to demonstrate that isolates belong to a novel species. The strain characteristics, the differences between macrophage infectivity potential (mip), RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB), and reference gene sequences, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 90.4%, and the DNA–DNA digital hybridization (dDDH) analysis of 43% demonstrate that these isolates belong to a new Legionella species. The finding suggests that, during the culture technique, special attention should be paid to the characteristics of the isolates that are less associated with the Legionella genus in order to investigate the differences found using more sensitive methods. The characterization of the two newly discovered isolates based on morphological, biochemical, and microscopic characteristics is currently underway and will be described in another future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Girolamini
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Rosaria Pascale
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Mazzotta
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Spiteri
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Marino
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvano Salaris
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Grottola
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
- Regional Reference Laboratory for Clinical Diagnosis of Legionellosis, Molecular Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital-Policlinico Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Genomics of Microorganisms, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sandra Cristino
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sandra Cristino
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Krøvel AV, Bernhoff E, Austerheim E, Soma MA, Romstad MR, Löhr IH. Legionella pneumophila in Municipal Shower Systems in Stavanger, Norway; A Longitudinal Surveillance Study Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Risk Management. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030536. [PMID: 35336109 PMCID: PMC8954845 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Following an incidence of Legionnaires disease (LD) in 2007, where a municipal shower system was the likely source of infection, Stavanger municipality initiated a surveillance program for Legionella as part of establishing internal risk evaluation and prevention routines. More than 250 shower systems were examined for cultivatable Legionella pneumophila. The prevalence and diversity of serogroups (sg) and sequence types (STs) of L. pneumophila were mapped using available typing techniques over a period of more than 10 years (2010–2021). The surveillance showed an overall reduction in the L. pneumophila colonisation rate in municipal systems from 11 to 4.5% following prevention measures during the period, with the highest colonisation rate in complex systems (e.g., larger nursing homes and sports complexes). Further, an approximately even distribution between sg1 and 2–14 was seen. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that only a limited number of STs were detected, and they were consistent at specific locations over time. This study showed that environmental surveillance data in combination with available typing techniques and WGS can give the municipality a better tool for risk management and an overview of ST distributions that can be a valuable asset in future source investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vatland Krøvel
- NORCE—Norwegian Research Centre, Environment Department, Professor Olav Hansenssvei 15, N-4021 Stavanger, Norway;
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway; (E.B.); (M.A.S.); (M.R.R.); (I.H.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eva Bernhoff
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway; (E.B.); (M.A.S.); (M.R.R.); (I.H.L.)
| | - Elin Austerheim
- NORCE—Norwegian Research Centre, Environment Department, Professor Olav Hansenssvei 15, N-4021 Stavanger, Norway;
| | - Markus André Soma
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway; (E.B.); (M.A.S.); (M.R.R.); (I.H.L.)
| | - Monica Regine Romstad
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway; (E.B.); (M.A.S.); (M.R.R.); (I.H.L.)
| | - Iren Høyland Löhr
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway; (E.B.); (M.A.S.); (M.R.R.); (I.H.L.)
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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. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 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] [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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Sequence-based typing of clinical and environmental Legionella pneumophila isolates in Shenyang, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 39:383-389. [PMID: 34620473 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We performed SBT (sequence-based typing) on clinical and environmental Legionellapneumophila isolates in Shenyang (China). We analyzed and compared the results with those obtained by PFGE (pulsed field gel electrophoresis). METHODS Twenty-two L. pneumophila isolates were collected from two patients with L. pneumophila infection, two hospitals, and 13 office buildings. There were two clinical isolates, one strain isolated from domestic tap water, another from shower water and 18 strains from cooling tower water. All these isolates were analyzed by SBT and PFGE methods. RESULTS The 22 isolates were divided into 7 types by SBT. Five isolates belonged to novel sequence types (ST2345, ST2344, ST2406, ST2407, and ST2408) and one isolate belonged to ST328. The STs were not obtained for two of the isolates. The remaining 14 isolates belonged to ST1. PFGE typing divided the 22 isolates into 14 pulsotypes. The main pulsotype was SYC, which included seven isolates. CONCLUSION Both typing methods showed that predominant clonal lines exist in the Shenyang region, with high levels of genetic polymorphisms. Five novel STs were identified, indicating a unique genetic composition of L. pneumophila strains in this region, which are significantly different from those found in other environmental water systems in the world.
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Zayed AR, Butmeh S, Pecellin M, Salah A, Alalam H, Steinert M, Höfle MG, Bitar DM, Brettar I. Biogeography and Environmental Drivers of Legionella pneumophila Abundance and Genotype Composition Across the West Bank: Relevance of a Genotype-Based Ecology for Understanding Legionella Occurrence. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121012. [PMID: 33271905 PMCID: PMC7761038 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The West Bank can be considered as a high-risk area for Legionella prevalence in drinking water due to high ambient temperature, intermittent water supply, frequent pressure loss, and storage of drinking water in roof containers. To assess occurrence of Legionella species, especially L. pneumophila, in the drinking water of the West Bank, the drinking water distribution systems of eight hospitals were sampled over a period of 2.3 years covering the seasonal cycle and the major geographic regions. To gain insight into potential environmental drivers, a set of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters was recorded. Sampling included drinking water and biofilm analyzed by culture and PCR-based methods. Cultivation led to the isolation of 180 strains of L. pneumophila that were genotyped by Multi-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA). Surprisingly, the abundance of culturable L. pneumophila was low in drinking water of the sampling sites, with only three out of eight sites where Legionella was observed at all (range: 30–500 CFU/Liter). By contrast, biofilm and PCR-based analyses showed a higher prevalence. Statistical analyses with physico-chemical parameters revealed a decrease of L. pneumophila abundance for water and biofilm with increasing magnesium concentrations (>30 mg/L). MLVA-genotype analysis of the L. pneumophila isolates and their spatial distribution indicated three niches characterized by distinct physico-chemical parameters and inhabited by specific consortia of genotypes. This study provides novel insights into mechanisms shaping L. pneumophila populations and triggering their abundance leading to an understanding of their genotype-specific niches and ecology in support of improved prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf R. Zayed
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (A.R.Z.); (M.P.); (M.G.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, University Street, Jerusalem 19356, Palestine; (S.B.); (A.S.); (H.A.); (D.M.B.)
| | - Suha Butmeh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, University Street, Jerusalem 19356, Palestine; (S.B.); (A.S.); (H.A.); (D.M.B.)
| | - Marina Pecellin
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (A.R.Z.); (M.P.); (M.G.H.)
| | - Alaa Salah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, University Street, Jerusalem 19356, Palestine; (S.B.); (A.S.); (H.A.); (D.M.B.)
| | - Hanna Alalam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, University Street, Jerusalem 19356, Palestine; (S.B.); (A.S.); (H.A.); (D.M.B.)
| | - Michael Steinert
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Universitätsplatz 2, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Manfred G. Höfle
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (A.R.Z.); (M.P.); (M.G.H.)
| | - Dina M. Bitar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, University Street, Jerusalem 19356, Palestine; (S.B.); (A.S.); (H.A.); (D.M.B.)
| | - Ingrid Brettar
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (A.R.Z.); (M.P.); (M.G.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Buchholz U, Jahn HJ, Brodhun B, Lehfeld AS, Lewandowsky MM, Reber F, Adler K, Bochmann J, Förster C, Koch M, Schreiner Y, Stemmler F, Gagell C, Harbich E, Bärwolff S, Beyer A, Geuß-Fosu U, Hänel M, Larscheid P, Murajda L, Morawski K, Peters U, Pitzing R, von Welczeck A, Widders G, Wischnewski N, Abdelgawad I, Hinzmann A, Hedeler D, Schilling B, Schmidt S, Schumacher J, Zuschneid I, Atmowihardjo I, Arastéh K, Behrens S, Creutz P, Elias J, Gregor M, Kahl S, Kahnert H, Kimmel V, Lehmke J, Migaud P, Mikolajewska A, Moos V, Naumann MB, Pankow W, Scherübl H, Schmidt B, Schneider T, Stocker H, Suttorp N, Thiemig D, Gollnisch C, Mannschatz U, Haas W, Schaefer B, Lück C. Source attribution of community-acquired cases of Legionnaires' disease-results from the German LeTriWa study; Berlin, 2016-2019. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241724. [PMID: 33237924 PMCID: PMC7688155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sources of infection of most cases of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease (CALD) are unknown. OBJECTIVE Identification of sources of infection of CALD. SETTING Berlin; December 2016-May 2019. PARTICIPANTS Adult cases of CALD reported to district health authorities and consenting to the study; age and hospital matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Percentage of cases of CALD with attributed source of infection. METHODS Analysis of secondary patient samples for monoclonal antibody (MAb) type (and sequence type); questionnaire-based interviews, analysis of standard household water samples for Legionella concentration followed by MAb (and sequence) typing of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) isolates; among cases taking of additional water samples to identify the infectious source as appropriate; recruitment of control persons for comparison of exposure history and Legionella in standard household water samples. For each case an appraisal matrix was filled in to attribute any of three source types (external (non-residence) source, residential non-drinking water (RnDW) source (not directly from drinking water outlet), residential drinking water (RDW) as source) using three evidence types (microbiological results, cluster evidence, analytical-comparative evidence (using added information from controls)). RESULTS Inclusion of 111 study cases and 202 controls. Median age of cases was 67 years (range 25-93 years), 74 (67%) were male. Among 65 patients with urine typable for MAb type we found a MAb 3/1-positive strain in all of them. Compared to controls being a case was not associated with a higher Legionella concentration in standard household water samples, however, the presence of a MAb 3/1-positive strain was significantly associated (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7 to 11). Thus, a source was attributed by microbiological evidence if it contained a MAb 3/1-positive strain. A source was attributed by cluster evidence if at least two cases were exposed to the same source. Statistically significant general source types were attributed by calculating the population attributable risk (analytical-comparative evidence). We identified an external source in 16 (14%) cases, and RDW as source in 28 (25%). Wearing inadequately disinfected dentures was the only RnDW source significantly associated with cases (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 7.8) and led to an additional 8% of cases with source attribution, for a total of 48% of cases attributed. CONCLUSION Using the appraisal matrix we attributed almost half of all cases of CALD to an infectious source, predominantly RDW. Risk for LD seems to be conferred primarily by the type of Legionella rather than the amount. Dentures as a new infectious source needs further, in particular, integrated microbiological, molecular and epidemiological confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Buchholz
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Juergen Jahn
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bonita Brodhun
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Lehfeld
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina M. Lewandowsky
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Reber
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Adler
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bochmann
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Christina Förster
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Madlen Koch
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schreiner
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Fabian Stemmler
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Corinna Gagell
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene/Institute of Virology, National Consulting Laboratory for Legionella, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Edith Harbich
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene/Institute of Virology, National Consulting Laboratory for Legionella, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sina Bärwolff
- Health Department, DHA Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Beyer
- Health Department, DHA Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Martina Hänel
- Health Department, DHA Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Uwe Peters
- Health Department, DHA Pankow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raimund Pitzing
- Health Department, DHA Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Denis Hedeler
- Health Department, DHA Treptow-Köpenick, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birte Schilling
- Health Department, DHA Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Schmidt
- Health Department, DHA Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Irina Zuschneid
- Health Department, DHA Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Uwe Mannschatz
- Hygiene Inspection for Drinking Water Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Walter Haas
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit 36: Respiratory Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Section II 3.5 Microbiology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, German Environment Agency, Bad Elster, Germany
| | - Christian Lück
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene/Institute of Virology, National Consulting Laboratory for Legionella, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Jiang L, Zhao S, Cai X, Mu D, Zhang X, Kang J, Zhao L, Chen Y. Sequence-based typing of clinical and environmental Legionella pneumophila isolates in Shenyang, China. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 39:S0213-005X(20)30243-3. [PMID: 32718496 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We performed SBT (sequence-based typing) on clinical and environmental Legionellapneumophila isolates in Shenyang (China). We analyzed and compared the results with those obtained by PFGE (pulsed field gel electrophoresis). METHODS Twenty-two L. pneumophila isolates were collected from two patients with L. pneumophila infection, two hospitals, and 13 office buildings. There were two clinical isolates, one strain isolated from domestic tap water, another from shower water and 18 strains from cooling tower water. All these isolates were analyzed by SBT and PFGE methods. RESULTS The 22 isolates were divided into 7 types by SBT. Five isolates belonged to novel sequence types (ST2345, ST2344, ST2406, ST2407, and ST2408) and one isolate belonged to ST328. The STs were not obtained for two of the isolates. The remaining 14 isolates belonged to ST1. PFGE typing divided the 22 isolates into 14 pulsotypes. The main pulsotype was SYC, which included seven isolates. CONCLUSION Both typing methods showed that predominant clonal lines exist in the Shenyang region, with high levels of genetic polymorphisms. Five novel STs were identified, indicating a unique genetic composition of L. pneumophila strains in this region, which are significantly different from those found in other environmental water systems in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sihong Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xu Cai
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deguang Mu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianghua Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Comparison of in situ sequence type analysis of Legionella pneumophila in respiratory tract secretions and environmental samples of a hospital in East Jerusalem. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:2116-2121. [PMID: 30157982 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818002340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila genotyping is important for epidemiological investigation of nosocomial and community-acquired outbreaks of legionellosis. The prevalence of legionellosis in pneumonia patients in the West Bank was monitored for the first time, and the sequence types (STs) from respiratory samples were compared with STs of environmental samples from different wards of the hospital. Sputum (n = 121) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (n = 74) specimens were cultured for L. pneumophila; genomic DNA was tested by 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Nested PCR sequence-based typing (NPSBT) was implemented on DNA of the respiratory and environmental PCR-positive samples. Only one respiratory specimen was positive for L. pneumophila by culture. BAL gave a higher percentage of L. pneumophila-positive samples, 35% (26/74) than sputum, 15% (18/121) by PCR. NPSBT revealed the following STs: ST 1 (29%, 7/24), ST 461 (21%, 5/24), ST 1037 (4%, 1/24) from respiratory samples, STs from environmental samples: ST 1 (28.5%, 4/14), ST 187 (21.4%, 3/14) and ST 2070, ST 461, ST 1482 (7.1%, 1/14) each. This study emphasises the advantage of PCR over culture for the detection of L. pneumophila in countries where antibiotics are indiscriminately used prior to hospital admission. ST 1 was the predominant ST in both respiratory and environmental samples.
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11
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Schrammel B, Petzold M, Cervero-Aragó S, Sommer R, Lück C, Kirschner A. Persistent presence of outer membrane epitopes during short- and long-term starvation of five Legionella pneumophila strains. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:75. [PMID: 30016940 PMCID: PMC6050704 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire’s disease, may enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state triggered by environmental stress conditions. Specific outer-membrane epitopes of L. pneumophila are used in many diagnostic applications and some of them are linked to important virulence-related factors or endotoxins. However, it is not clear how the presence and status of these epitopes are influenced by environmental stress conditions. In this study, changes of outer membrane epitopes for monoclonal antibodies (mAb) from the Dresden panel and the major outer membrane protein MOMP were analysed for five L. pneumophila strains during short- and long-term starvation in ultrapure water. Results With ELISA and single cell immuno-fluorescence analysis, we could show that for most of the investigated mAb-strain combinations the total number of mAb-stained Legionella cells stayed constant for up to 400 days. Especially the epitopes of mAb 3/1, 8/5, 26/1 and 20/1, which are specific for L. pneumophila serogroup 1 subtypes, and the mAb 9/1, specific for serogroup 6, showed long-term persistence. For most mAb- stained cells, a high percentage of viable cells was observed at least until 118 days of starvation. At the same time, we observed a reduction of the fluorescence intensity of the stained cells during starvation indicating a loss of epitopes from the cell surface. However, most of the epitopes, including the virulence-associated mAb 3/1 epitope were still present with high fluorescence intensity after 400 days of starvation in up to 50% of the starved L. pneumophila population. Conclusions The results demonstrate the continuous presence of outer membrane epitopes of L. pneumophila during short-term and long-term starvation. Thus, culture-independent mAb-based diagnostic and detection tools, such as immuno-magnetic separation and microarray techniques are applicable for both L. pneumophila in the culturable and the VBNC state even after long-term starvation but nevertheless require careful testing before application. However, the mere presence of those epitopes is not necessarily an indication of viability or infectivity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1220-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schrammel
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Hygiene, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Petzold
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty "Carl Gustav Carus", University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sílvia Cervero-Aragó
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Hygiene, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Hygiene, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lück
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty "Carl Gustav Carus", University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Hygiene, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Buse HY, Hoelle JM, Muhlen C, Lytle D. Electrophoretic mobility of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 to 14. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2018; 365:4939473. [PMID: 29566231 PMCID: PMC6055225 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fny067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and can persist within drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) enabling these systems to serve as a potential source of human infections. Bacterial surface charge, deduced from electrophoretic mobility (EPM), is a well-recognized contributor to microorganism mobility, adherence and interactions with their surrounding environment. In this study, the EPM of 32 Lp strains representing serogroup (sg) 1 to 14 were measured, in 9.15 mM KH2PO4 at pH 8, to understand cell surface properties that may influence their occurrence within DWDS. EPM measurements indicated the charge of Lp varied widely between serogroups with five distinct clusters, from least to most negatively charged: (i) sg1 to 3, 5, and 12; (ii) sg6, 8, and 10; (iii) sg9 and 13; (iv) sg7, 11, and 14; and (v) sg4. The EPM of sg1 and 4 strains were pH dependent; however, values were constant between pH 6 and 9, a range typical of drinking water, suggesting that EPM differences between Lp serogroups could impact their survival within DWDS. Understanding the ecological importance of Lp surface properties (e.g. in mobility, colonization, resistance to disinfectants, etc.) within DWDS would aid in mitigation of health risks associated with this water-based pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Y Buse
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Homeland Security Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Jill M Hoelle
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Christy Muhlen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Darren Lytle
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
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Virulence Traits of Environmental and Clinical Legionella pneumophila Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) Genotypes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29523542 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00429-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila causes water-based infections resulting in severe pneumonia. Recently, we showed that different MLVA-8 (multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis using 8 loci) genotypes dominated different sites of a drinking-water distribution system. Each genotype displayed a unique temperature-dependent growth behavior. Here we compared the pathogenicity potentials of different MLVA-8 genotypes of environmental and clinical strains. The virulence traits studied were hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity toward amoebae and macrophages. Clinical strains were significantly more hemolytic than environmental strains, while their cytotoxicity toward amoebae was significantly lower at 30°C. No significant differences were detected between clinical and environmental strains in cytotoxicity toward macrophages. Significant differences in virulence were observed between the environmental genotypes (Gt). Gt15 strains showed a significantly higher hemolytic activity. In contrast, Gt4 and Gt6 strains were more infective toward Acanthamoeba castellanii Moreover, Gt4 strains exhibited increased cytotoxicity toward macrophages and demonstrated a broader temperature range of amoebal lysis than Gt6 and Gt15 strains. Understanding the virulence traits of Legionella genotypes may improve the assessment of public health risks of Legionella in drinking water.IMPORTANCELegionella pneumophila is the causative agent of a severe form of pneumonia. Here we demonstrated that clinical strains were significantly more cytotoxic toward red blood cells than environmental strains, while their cytotoxicity toward macrophages was similar. Genotype 4 (Gt4) strains were highly cytotoxic toward amoebae and macrophages and lysed amoebae in a broader temperature range than to the other studied genotypes. The results can explain the relatively high success of Gt4 in the environment and in clinical samples; thus, Gt4 strains should be considered a main factor for the assessment of public health risks of Legionella in drinking water. Our findings shed light on the ecology, virulence, and pathogenicity potential of different L. pneumophila genotypes, which can be a valuable parameter for future modeling and quantitative microbial risk assessment of Legionella in drinking-water systems.
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Prevalence of Infection-Competent Serogroup 6 Legionella pneumophila within Premise Plumbing in Southeast Michigan. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.00016-18. [PMID: 29437918 PMCID: PMC5801461 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00016-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coinciding with major changes to its municipal water system, Flint, MI, endured Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in 2014 and 2015. By sampling premise plumbing in Flint in the fall of 2016, we found that 12% of homes harbored legionellae, a frequency similar to that in residences in neighboring areas. To evaluate the genetic diversity of Legionella pneumophila in Southeast Michigan, we determined the sequence type (ST) and serogroup (SG) of the 18 residential isolates from Flint and Detroit, MI, and the 33 clinical isolates submitted by hospitals in three area counties in 2013 to 2016. Common to one environmental and four clinical samples were strains of L. pneumophila SG1 and ST1, the most prevalent ST worldwide. Among the Flint premise plumbing isolates, 14 of 16 strains were of ST367 and ST461, two closely related SG6 strain types isolated previously from patients and corresponding environmental samples. Each of the representative SG1 clinical strains and SG6 environmental isolates from Southeast Michigan infected and survived within macrophage cultures at least as well as a virulent laboratory strain, as judged by microscopy and by enumerating CFU. Likewise, 72 h after infection, the yield of viable-cell counts increased >100-fold for each of the representative SG1 clinical isolates, Flint premise plumbing SG6 ST367 and -461 isolates, and two Detroit residential isolates. We verified by immunostaining that SG1-specific antibody does not cross-react with the SG6 L. pneumophila environmental strains. Because the widely used urinary antigen diagnostic test does not readily detect non-SG1 L. pneumophila, Legionnaires’ disease caused by SG6 L. pneumophila is likely underreported worldwide. L. pneumophila is the leading cause of disease outbreaks associated with drinking water in the United States. Compared to what is known of the established risks of colonization within hospitals and hotels, relatively little is known about residential exposure to L. pneumophila. One year after two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Genesee County, MI, that coincided with damage to the Flint municipal water system, our multidisciplinary team launched an environmental surveillance and laboratory research campaign aimed at informing risk management strategies to provide safe public water supplies. The most prevalent L. pneumophila strains isolated from residential plumbing were closely related strains of SG6. In laboratory tests of virulence, the SG6 environmental isolates resembled SG1 clinical strains, yet they are not readily detected by the common diagnostic urinary antigen test, which is specific for SG1. Therefore, our study complements the existing epidemiological literature indicating that Legionnaires’ disease due to non-SG1 strains is underreported around the globe.
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A Supervised Statistical Learning Approach for Accurate Legionella pneumophila Source Attribution during Outbreaks. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01482-17. [PMID: 28821546 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01482-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Public health agencies are increasingly relying on genomics during Legionnaires' disease investigations. However, the causative bacterium (Legionella pneumophila) has an unusual population structure, with extreme temporal and spatial genome sequence conservation. Furthermore, Legionnaires' disease outbreaks can be caused by multiple L. pneumophila genotypes in a single source. These factors can confound cluster identification using standard phylogenomic methods. Here, we show that a statistical learning approach based on L. pneumophila core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) comparisons eliminates ambiguity for defining outbreak clusters and accurately predicts exposure sources for clinical cases. We illustrate the performance of our method by genome comparisons of 234 L. pneumophila isolates obtained from patients and cooling towers in Melbourne, Australia, between 1994 and 2014. This collection included one of the largest reported Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, which involved 125 cases at an aquarium. Using only sequence data from L. pneumophila cooling tower isolates and including all core genome variation, we built a multivariate model using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) to find cooling tower-specific genomic signatures and then used it to predict the origin of clinical isolates. Model assignments were 93% congruent with epidemiological data, including the aquarium Legionnaires' disease outbreak and three other unrelated outbreak investigations. We applied the same approach to a recently described investigation of Legionnaires' disease within a UK hospital and observed a model predictive ability of 86%. We have developed a promising means to breach L. pneumophila genetic diversity extremes and provide objective source attribution data for outbreak investigations.IMPORTANCE Microbial outbreak investigations are moving to a paradigm where whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic trees are used to support epidemiological investigations. It is critical that outbreak source predictions are accurate, particularly for pathogens, like Legionella pneumophila, which can spread widely and rapidly via cooling system aerosols, causing Legionnaires' disease. Here, by studying hundreds of Legionella pneumophila genomes collected over 21 years around a major Australian city, we uncovered limitations with the phylogenetic approach that could lead to a misidentification of outbreak sources. We implement instead a statistical learning technique that eliminates the ambiguity of inferring disease transmission from phylogenies. Our approach takes geolocation information and core genome variation from environmental L. pneumophila isolates to build statistical models that predict with high confidence the environmental source of clinical L. pneumophila during disease outbreaks. We show the versatility of the technique by applying it to unrelated Legionnaires' disease outbreaks in Australia and the UK.
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Burillo A, Pedro-Botet ML, Bouza E. Microbiology and Epidemiology of Legionnaire's Disease. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2017; 31:7-27. [PMID: 28159177 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Legionnaire's disease (LD) is the pneumonic form of legionellosis caused by aerobic gram-negative bacilli of the genus Legionella. Individuals become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets contaminated with Legionella species. Forty years after the identification of Legionella pneumophila as the cause of the 1976 pneumonia outbreak in a hotel in Philadelphia, we have non-culture-based diagnostic tests, effective antibiotics, and preventive measures to handle LD. With a mortality rate still around 10%, underreporting, and sporadic outbreaks, there is still much work to be done. In this article, the authors review the microbiology, laboratory diagnosis, and epidemiology of LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Burillo
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Pedro-Botet
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario German Trías i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Area de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Plaza Cívica, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Sardañola del Vallés (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/1089), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Gong X, Li J, Zhang Y, Hou S, Qu P, Yang Z, Chen S. Molecular typing of Legionella pneumophila from air-conditioning cooling waters using mip gene, SBT, and FAFLP methods. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 139:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lévesque S, Lalancette C, Bernard K, Pacheco AL, Dion R, Longtin J, Tremblay C. Molecular Typing of Legionella pneumophila Isolates in the Province of Quebec from 2005 to 2015. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163818. [PMID: 27706210 PMCID: PMC5051737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella is found in natural and man-made aquatic environments, such as cooling towers and hot water plumbing infrastructures. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) is the most common etiological agent causing waterborne disease in the United States and Canada. This study reports the molecular characterization of Lp strains during a 10 year period. We conducted sequence-based typing (SBT) analysis on a large set of Lp isolates (n = 284) to investigate the province of Quebec sequence types (STs) distribution in order to identify dominant clusters. From 2005 to 2015, 181 clinical Lp isolates were typed by SBT (141 sporadic cases and 40 outbreak related cases). From the same period of time, 103 environmental isolates were also typed. Amongst the 108 sporadic cases of Lp1 typed, ST-62 was the most frequent (16.6%), followed by ST-213 (10.2%), ST-1 (8.3%) and ST-37 (8.3%). Amongst other serogroups (SG), ST-1327 (SG5) (27.3%) and ST-378 (SG10) (12.2%) were the most frequent. From the environmental isolates, ST-1 represent the more frequent SBT type (26.5%). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram from the 108 sporadic cases of SG1 contains 4 major clusters (A to D) of related STs. Cluster B contains the majority of the strains (n = 61) and the three most frequent STs in our database (ST-62, ST-213 and ST-1). During the study period, we observed an important increase in the incidence rate in Quebec. All the community associated outbreaks, potentially or confirmed to be associated with a cooling tower were caused by Lp1 strains, by opposition to hospital associated outbreaks that were caused by serogroups of Lp other than SG1. The recent major Quebec City outbreak caused by ST-62, and the fact that this genotype is the most common in the province supports whole genome sequencing characterization of this particular sequence type in order to understand its evolution and associated virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lévesque
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Cindy Lalancette
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Kathryn Bernard
- Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ana Luisa Pacheco
- Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Réjean Dion
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de santé publique de l’Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean Longtin
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en infectiologie de l’Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Epidemiological Investigation of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 2 to 14 Isolates from Water Samples by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism and Sequence-Based Typing and Detection of Virulence Traits. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:6102-6108. [PMID: 27496776 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01672-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the dispersion, clonality, and virulence of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2 to 14 in the Greek environment. Eighty L. pneumophila serogroup 2 to 14 strains isolated from water distribution systems of hotels, hospitals, athletic venues, and ferries in Greece were tested by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for serogroup discrimination and molecularly by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) for genetic diversity. Fifty-six of 80 strains were also typed by the sequence-based typing (SBT) method. Αll strains were further analyzed for detection of two pathogenicity loci: Legionella vir homologue (lvh) and repeats in structural toxin (rtxA). Thirty-seven strains (46.2%) belonged to serogroup 6, 26 strains (32.5%) to serogroup 3, and 7 (8.8%) to other serogroups (4, 5, 8, and 10). Ten strains (12.5%) were nontypeable (NT) into the known serogroups. Thirty-nine different AFLP types were found among the 80 L. pneumophila serogroup 2 to 14 strains, and 24 different SBT types were found among the 56 strains tested. Among the 80 strains, the lvh locus was present in 75 (93.8%), the rtxA locus was found in 76 (95%), and both loci were found in 73 (91.3%) strains. This study showed that there is genetic variability of L. pneumophila serogroups 2 to 14 in the Greek environment as well as a high percentage of the pathogenicity loci. Ιntroducing an effective diagnostic test for L. pneumophila serogroups 2 to 14 in urine and promoting the examination of respiratory specimens from patients hospitalized for pneumonia in Greek hospitals are essential. IMPORTANCE In this study, the dispersion, clonality, and virulence of environmental isolates of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2 to 14 (Lp2-14) in Greece were investigated. Genetic variability of Lp2-14 in the Greek environment was identified together with the presence of the pathogenicity loci in a high percentage of the isolates. Despite the high prevalence of Lp2-14 in the Greek environment, no clinical cases were reported, which may be due to underdiagnosis of the disease. Almost all the legionellosis cases are diagnosed in Greece by using the urine antigen test, which is specific for Lp1. There is an urgent need to improve the clinical diagnosis of legionellosis by introducing an effective diagnostic test for Lp2-14 in urine and by promoting the PCR examination of respiratory specimens from patients with compatible clinical symptoms.
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Raphael BH, Baker DJ, Nazarian E, Lapierre P, Bopp D, Kozak-Muiznieks NA, Morrison SS, Lucas CE, Mercante JW, Musser KA, Winchell JM. Genomic Resolution of Outbreak-Associated Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 Isolates from New York State. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:3582-3590. [PMID: 27060122 PMCID: PMC4959152 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00362-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED A total of 30 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates representing 10 separate legionellosis laboratory investigations ("outbreaks") that occurred in New York State between 2004 and 2012 were selected for evaluation of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approaches for molecular subtyping of this organism. Clinical and environmental isolates were available for each outbreak and were initially examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Sequence-based typing alleles were extracted from WGS data yielding complete sequence types (ST) for isolates representing 8 out of the 10 outbreaks evaluated in this study. Isolates from separate outbreaks sharing the same ST also contained the fewest differences in core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the greatest proportion of identical allele sequences in a whole-genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST) scheme. Both core SNP and wgMLST analyses distinguished isolates from separate outbreaks, including those from two outbreaks sharing indistinguishable PFGE profiles. Isolates from a hospital-associated outbreak spanning multiple years shared indistinguishable PFGE profiles but displayed differences in their genome sequences, suggesting the presence of multiple environmental sources. Finally, the rtx gene demonstrated differences in the repeat region sequence among ST1 isolates from different outbreaks, suggesting that variation in this gene may be useful for targeted molecular subtyping approaches for L. pneumophila This study demonstrates the utility of various genome sequence analysis approaches for L. pneumophila for environmental source attribution studies while furthering the understanding of Legionella ecology. IMPORTANCE We demonstrate that whole-genome sequencing helps to improve resolution of Legionella pneumophila isolated during laboratory investigations of legionellosis compared to traditional subtyping methods. These data can be important in confirming the environmental sources of legionellosis outbreaks. Moreover, we evaluated various methods to analyze genome sequence data to help resolve outbreak-related isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Raphael
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Deborah J Baker
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nazarian
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Pascal Lapierre
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Dianna Bopp
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Shatavia S Morrison
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claressa E Lucas
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Mercante
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kimberlee A Musser
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jonas M Winchell
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Population structure and minimum core genome typing of Legionella pneumophila. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21356. [PMID: 26888563 PMCID: PMC4766850 DOI: 10.1038/srep21356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is an important human pathogen causing Legionnaires’ disease. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to study the characteristics and population structure of L. pneumophila strains. We sequenced and compared 53 isolates of L. pneumophila covering different serogroups and sequence-based typing (SBT) types (STs). We found that 1,896 single-copy orthologous genes were shared by all isolates and were defined as the minimum core genome (MCG) of L. pneumophila. A total of 323,224 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified among the 53 strains. After excluding 314,059 SNPs which were likely to be results of recombination, the remaining 9,165 SNPs were referred to as MCG SNPs. Population Structure analysis based on MCG divided the 53 L. pneumophila into nine MCG groups. The within-group distances were much smaller than the between-group distances, indicating considerable divergence between MCG groups. MCG groups were also supplied by phylogenetic analysis and may be considered as robust taxonomic units within L. pneumophila. Among the nine MCG groups, eight showed high intracellular growth ability while one showed low intracellular growth ability. Furthermore, MCG typing also showed high resolution in subtyping ST1 strains. The results obtained in this study provided significant insights into the evolution, population structure and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila.
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Abstract
Since first identified in early 1977, bacteria of the genus Legionella are recognised as a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and a rare cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Legionella bacteria multisystem manifestations mainly affect susceptible patients as a result of age, underlying debilitating conditions, or immunosuppression. Water is the major natural reservoir for Legionella, and the pathogen is found in many different natural and artificial aquatic environments such as cooling towers or water systems in buildings, including hospitals. The term given to the severe pneumonia and systemic infection caused by Legionella bacteria is Legionnaires' disease. Over time, the prevalence of legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease has risen, which might indicate a greater awareness and reporting of the disease. Advances in microbiology have led to a better understanding of the ecological niches and pathogenesis of the condition. Legionnaires' disease is not always suspected because of its non-specific symptoms, and the diagnostic tests routinely available do not offer the desired sensitivity. However, effective antibiotics are available. Disease notification systems provide the basis for initiating investigations and limiting the scale and recurrence of outbreaks. This report reviews our current understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burke A Cunha
- Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY, USA; School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Almudena Burillo
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
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23
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Geographical and Temporal Structures of Legionella pneumophila Sequence Types in Comunitat Valenciana (Spain), 1998 to 2013. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:7106-13. [PMID: 26231651 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02196-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is an accidental human pathogen associated with aerosol formation in water-related sources. High recombination rates make Legionella populations genetically diverse, and nearly 2,000 different sequence types (STs) have been described to date for this environmental pathogen. The spatial distribution of STs is extremely heterogeneous, with some variants being present worldwide and others being detected at only a local scale. Similarly, some STs have been associated with disease outbreaks, such as ST578 or ST23. Spain is among the European countries with the highest incidences of reported legionellosis cases, and specifically, Comunitat Valenciana (CV) is the second most affected area in the country. In this work, we aimed at studying the overall diversity of Legionella pneumophila populations found in the period from 1998 to 2013 in 79 localities encompassing 23 regions within CV. To do so, we performed sequence-based typing (SBT) on 1,088 L. pneumophila strains detected in the area from both environmental and clinical sources. A comparison with the genetic structuring detected in a global data set that included 20 European and 7 non-European countries was performed. Our results reveal a level of diversity in CV that can be considered representative of the diversity found in other countries worldwide.
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van Heijnsbergen E, Schalk JAC, Euser SM, Brandsema PS, den Boer JW, de Roda Husman AM. Confirmed and Potential Sources of Legionella Reviewed. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:4797-815. [PMID: 25774976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in natural matrices and man-made systems. However, it is not always clear if these reservoirs can act as source of infection resulting in cases of Legionnaires' disease. This review provides an overview of reservoirs of Legionella reported in the literature, other than drinking water distribution systems. Levels of evidence were developed to discriminate between potential and confirmed sources of Legionella. A total of 17 systems and matrices could be classified as confirmed sources of Legionella. Many other man-made systems or natural matrices were not classified as a confirmed source, since either no patients were linked to these reservoirs or the supporting evidence was weak. However, these systems or matrices could play an important role in the transmission of infectious Legionella bacteria; they might not yet be considered in source investigations, resulting in an underestimation of their importance. To optimize source investigations it is important to have knowledge about all the (potential) sources of Legionella. Further research is needed to unravel what the contribution is of each confirmed source, and possibly also potential sources, to the LD disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri van Heijnsbergen
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna A C Schalk
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd M Euser
- ‡Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, Boerhaavelaan 26, 2035 RC Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Petra S Brandsema
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W den Boer
- ‡Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, Boerhaavelaan 26, 2035 RC Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda Husman
- †National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A. van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- §Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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Legionnaires’ disease in France. Med Mal Infect 2015; 45:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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26
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Sequence types diversity of Legionella pneumophila isolates from environmental water sources in Guangzhou and Jiangmen, China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 29:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Cassier P, Campese C, Le Strat Y, Che D, Ginevra C, Etienne J, Jarraud S. Epidemiologic characteristics associated with ST23 clones compared to ST1 and ST47 clones of Legionnaires disease cases in France. New Microbes New Infect 2014; 3:29-33. [PMID: 25755889 PMCID: PMC4337934 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In France, approximately 1200 cases of Legionnaires disease (LD) are reported annually, and isolates are available for approximately 20% of cases identified since 2000. All Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (sg1) isolates are characterized by sequence-based typing at the National Reference Centre. LD cases caused by L. pneumophila sg1 reported from 2008 through 2012 were considered for the study. Our study objective was to describe cases according to their sequence type (ST). We also constructed multivariable modified Poisson regression models to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and to identify characteristics potentially associated with ST23 clones compared to ST1 and ST47 clones. We studied 1192 patients infected by ST1 (n = 109), ST23 (n = 236), ST47 (n = 123) or other STs (n = 724). The geographic distribution of the ST23 cases across the country was significantly different compared to other ST groups. This genotype was significantly associated with the absence of corticosteroid therapy compared to ST1 (IRR = 0.56; p 0.016). Concerning exposure, the ST23 genotype was significantly less associated with hospital-acquired infections compared to ST1 (IRR = 0.32; p 0.001), but it was more associated with infections acquired in hospitals and elderly settings compared with ST47. Finally, the ST23 genotype was less frequently associated with travel than other STs. Despite the large number of cases of ST23 infection, we did not identify any characteristics specific to this ST. However, we identified independent associations between ST1 and nosocomial transmission and steroid therapy. These findings should encourage further exploration, especially in terms of environmental diffusion, strain virulence and host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Cassier
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, National Reference Centre of Legionella, Centre de Biologie Est, France
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, Legionella Pathogenosis Team, Université de Lyon, France
- Inserm, U1111, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France
- Corresponding author: P. Cassier, Hospices Civils de Lyon, National Reference Centre of Legionella, Centre de Biologie Est, 59 Bd Pinel 69500 Bron, France.
| | - C. Campese
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
| | - Y. Le Strat
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
| | - D. Che
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint Maurice, France
| | - C. Ginevra
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, National Reference Centre of Legionella, Centre de Biologie Est, France
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, Legionella Pathogenosis Team, Université de Lyon, France
- Inserm, U1111, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - J. Etienne
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, National Reference Centre of Legionella, Centre de Biologie Est, France
| | - S. Jarraud
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, National Reference Centre of Legionella, Centre de Biologie Est, France
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, Legionella Pathogenosis Team, Université de Lyon, France
- Inserm, U1111, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France
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28
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Ferranti G, Marchesi I, Favale M, Borella P, Bargellini A. Aetiology, source and prevention of waterborne healthcare-associated infections: a review. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1247-1259. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.075713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss the scientific literature on waterborne healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) published from 1990 to 2012. The review focuses on aquatic bacteria and describes both outbreaks and single cases in relation to patient characteristics, the settings and contaminated sources. An overview of diagnostic methods and environmental investigations is summarized in order to provide guidance for future case investigations. Lastly, on the basis of the prevention and control measures adopted, information and recommendations are given. A total of 125 reports were included, 41 describing hospitalized children. All cases were sustained by opportunistic pathogens, mainly Legionellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Burkholderiaceae. Hot-water distribution systems were the primary source of legionnaires’ disease, bottled water was mainly colonized by Pseudomonaceae, and Burkholderiaceae were the leading cause of distilled and sterile water contamination. The intensive care unit was the most frequently involved setting, but patient characteristics were the main risk factor, independent of the ward. As it is difficult to avoid water contamination by microbes and disinfection treatments may be insufficient to control the risk of infection, a proactive preventive plan should be put in place. Nursing staff should pay special attention to children and immunosuppressed patients in terms of tap-water exposure and also their personal hygiene, and should regularly use sterile water for rinsing/cleaning devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Ferranti
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Isabella Marchesi
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marcella Favale
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Borella
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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29
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Lévesque S, Plante PL, Mendis N, Cantin P, Marchand G, Charest H, Raymond F, Huot C, Goupil-Sormany I, Desbiens F, Faucher SP, Corbeil J, Tremblay C. Genomic characterization of a large outbreak of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 strains in Quebec City, 2012. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103852. [PMID: 25105285 PMCID: PMC4126679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the summer of 2012, a major Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 outbreak occurred in Quebec City, Canada, which caused 182 declared cases of Legionnaire's disease and included 13 fatalities. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates from 23 patients as well as from 32 cooling towers located in the vicinity of the outbreak were recovered for analysis. In addition, 6 isolates from the 1996 Quebec City outbreak and 4 isolates from patients unrelated to both outbreaks were added to allow comparison. We characterized the isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, sequence-based typing, and whole genome sequencing. The comparison of patients-isolated strains to cooling tower isolates allowed the identification of the tower that was the source of the outbreak. Legionella pneumophila strain Quebec 2012 was identified as a ST-62 by sequence-based typing methodology. Two new Legionellaceae plasmids were found only in the epidemic strain. The LVH type IV secretion system was found in the 2012 outbreak isolates but not in the ones from the 1996 outbreak and only in half of the contemporary human isolates. The epidemic strains replicated more efficiently and were more cytotoxic to human macrophages than the environmental strains tested. At least four Icm/Dot effectors in the epidemic strains were absent in the environmental strains suggesting that some effectors could impact the intracellular replication in human macrophages. Sequence-based typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis combined with whole genome sequencing allowed the identification and the analysis of the causative strain including its likely environmental source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lévesque
- Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec (LSPQ)/Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Pier-Luc Plante
- Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Nilmini Mendis
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Cantin
- Centre d'Expertise en Analyse Environnementale du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Marchand
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugues Charest
- Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec (LSPQ)/Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Immunologie et Infectiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Frédéric Raymond
- Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Huot
- Direction Régionale de Santé Publique de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, Canada
| | | | - François Desbiens
- Direction Régionale de Santé Publique de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien P. Faucher
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques Corbeil
- Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec (LSPQ)/Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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30
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Kozak-Muiznieks NA, Lucas CE, Brown E, Pondo T, Taylor TH, Frace M, Miskowski D, Winchell JM. Prevalence of sequence types among clinical and environmental isolates of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in the United States from 1982 to 2012. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:201-11. [PMID: 24197883 PMCID: PMC3911437 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01973-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the establishment of sequence-based typing as the gold standard for DNA-based typing of Legionella pneumophila, the Legionella laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted routine sequence-based typing (SBT) analysis of all incoming L. pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) isolates to identify potential links between cases and to better understand genetic diversity and clonal expansion among L. pneumophila bacteria. Retrospective genotyping of Lp1 isolates from sporadic cases and Legionnaires' disease (LD) outbreaks deposited into the CDC reference collection since 1982 has been completed. For this study, we compared the distribution of sequence types (STs) among Lp1 isolates implicated in 26 outbreaks in the United States, 571 clinical isolates from sporadic cases of LD in the United States, and 149 environmental isolates with no known association with LD. The Lp1 isolates under study had been deposited into our collection between 1982 and 2012. We identified 17 outbreak-associated STs, 153 sporadic STs, and 49 environmental STs. We observed that Lp1 STs from outbreaks and sporadic cases are more similar to each other than either group is to environmental STs. The most frequent ST for both sporadic and environmental isolates was ST1, accounting for 25% and 49% of the total number of isolates, respectively. The STs shared by both outbreak-associated and sporadic Lp1 included ST1, ST35, ST36, ST37, and ST222. The STs most commonly found in sporadic and outbreak-associated Lp1 populations may have an increased ability to cause disease and thus may require special attention when detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Kozak-Muiznieks
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claressa E. Lucas
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ellen Brown
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy Pondo
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas H. Taylor
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Frace
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Jonas M. Winchell
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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