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Alves Ruislan AL, França Dias M, Daniela Lopes Júlio A, Mourão Silva UDC, Pagnin S, Veiga AA, Godinho Zanetti D, Santos VLD. Effects of antimicrobials over sessile and planktonic microbiota associated with an industrial cooling water system. BIOFOULING 2024; 40:499-513. [PMID: 39108059 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2024.2384436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The bacterial community from a cooling water system was investigated through culture-dependent and independent strategies, and the responses of planktonic and sessile bacteria (grown in glass slides and stainless-steel coupons) to antimicrobials of industrial and clinical use were assessed. The morphotypes with higher biofilm-forming potential were Pseudoxanthomonas sp., Rheinheimera sp., Aeromonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp., and the first also exhibited lower susceptibility to all antibiotics and biocides tested. 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing indicated that Pseudomonadota (77.1% on average, sd 11.1%), Bacteroidota (8.4, sd 5.7%), and Planctomycetota (3.0, sd 1.3%) were the most abundant phyla. KEGG orthologs associated with antibiotics and biocide resistance were abundant in all samples. Although the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were generally higher for biofilms, morphotypes in planktonic form also showed high levels of resistance, which could be associated with biofilm cells passing into the planktonic phase. Overall, monochloramine was the most effective biocide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela França Dias
- Department of Microbiology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sergio Pagnin
- Research and Development Center (CENPES), Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Azevedo Veiga
- Research and Development Center (CENPES), Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Débora Godinho Zanetti
- Department of Microbiology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Dos Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Narimisa N, Bostanghadiri N, Goodarzi F, Razavi S, Jazi FM. Prevalence of Mycobacterium kansasii in clinical and environmental isolates, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1321273. [PMID: 38440139 PMCID: PMC10911025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1321273] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mycobacterium kansasii infection is one of the most common causes of non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) disease worldwide. However, accurate information on the global prevalence of this bacterium is lacking. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of M. kansasii in clinical and environmental isolates. Methods Databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science, were utilized to gather articles on the prevalence of M. kansasii in clinical and environmental isolates. The collected data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results A total of 118 and 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were used to analyze the prevalence of M. kansasii in clinical and environmental isolates, respectively. The prevalence of M. kansasii in NTM and environmental isolates were 9.4 and 5.8%, respectively. Subsequent analysis showed an increasing prevalence of M. kansasii over the years. Additionally, the results indicated a significant difference in the prevalence of this bacteria among different regions. Conclusion The relatively high prevalence of M. kansasii among NTM isolates suggests the need for further implementation of infection control strategies. It is also important to establish appropriate diagnostic criteria and management guidelines for screening this microorganism in environmental samples in order to prevent its spread, given its high prevalence in environmental isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Narimisa
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjess Bostanghadiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Goodarzi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Razavi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faramarz Masjedian Jazi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pereira AC, Ramos B, Reis AC, Cunha MV. Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Molecular and Physiological Bases of Virulence and Adaptation to Ecological Niches. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091380. [PMID: 32916931 PMCID: PMC7563442 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are paradigmatic colonizers of the total environment, circulating at the interfaces of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. Their striking adaptive ecology on the interconnection of multiple spheres results from the combination of several biological features related to their exclusive hydrophobic and lipid-rich impermeable cell wall, transcriptional regulation signatures, biofilm phenotype, and symbiosis with protozoa. This unique blend of traits is reviewed in this work, with highlights to the prodigious plasticity and persistence hallmarks of NTM in a wide diversity of environments, from extreme natural milieus to microniches in the human body. Knowledge on the taxonomy, evolution, and functional diversity of NTM is updated, as well as the molecular and physiological bases for environmental adaptation, tolerance to xenobiotics, and infection biology in the human and non-human host. The complex interplay between individual, species-specific and ecological niche traits contributing to NTM resilience across ecosystems are also explored. This work hinges current understandings of NTM, approaching their biology and heterogeneity from several angles and reinforcing the complexity of these microorganisms often associated with a multiplicity of diseases, including pulmonary, soft-tissue, or milliary. In addition to emphasizing the cornerstones of knowledge involving these bacteria, we identify research gaps that need to be addressed, stressing out the need for decision-makers to recognize NTM infection as a public health issue that has to be tackled, especially when considering an increasingly susceptible elderly and immunocompromised population in developed countries, as well as in low- or middle-income countries, where NTM infections are still highly misdiagnosed and neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- André C. Pereira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Ramos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica V. Cunha
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217-500-000 (ext. 22461)
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Aspatwar A, Winum JY, Carta F, Supuran CT, Hammaren M, Parikka M, Parkkila S. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors as Novel Drugs against Mycobacterial β-Carbonic Anhydrases: An Update on In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112911. [PMID: 30413024 PMCID: PMC6278287 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacteria cause a variety of diseases, such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and opportunistic diseases in immunocompromised people. The treatment of these diseases is problematic, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies. Recently, β-carbonic anhydrases (β-CAs) have emerged as potential drug targets in mycobacteria. The genomes of mycobacteria encode for three β-CAs that have been cloned and characterized from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the crystal structures of two of the enzymes have been determined. Different classes of inhibitor molecules against Mtb β-CAs have subsequently been designed and have been shown to inhibit these mycobacterial enzymes in vitro. The inhibition of these centrally important mycobacterial enzymes leads to reduced growth of mycobacteria, lower virulence, and impaired biofilm formation. Thus, the inhibition of β-CAs could be a novel approach for developing drugs against the severe diseases caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. In the present article, we review the data related to in vitro and in vivo inhibition studies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Aspatwar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Jean-Yves Winum
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM) UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34296 Montpellier CEDEX 05, France.
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy.
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy.
| | - Milka Hammaren
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Mataleena Parikka
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
- Fimlab Ltd. and Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
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Wang H, Bédard E, Prévost M, Camper AK, Hill VR, Pruden A. Methodological approaches for monitoring opportunistic pathogens in premise plumbing: A review. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 117:68-86. [PMID: 28390237 PMCID: PMC5693313 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Opportunistic premise (i.e., building) plumbing pathogens (OPPPs, e.g., Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acanthamoeba, and Naegleria fowleri) are a significant and growing source of disease. Because OPPPs establish and grow as part of the native drinking water microbiota, they do not correspond to fecal indicators, presenting a major challenge to standard drinking water monitoring practices. Further, different OPPPs present distinct requirements for sampling, preservation, and analysis, creating an impediment to their parallel detection. The aim of this critical review is to evaluate the state of the science of monitoring OPPPs and identify a path forward for their parallel detection and quantification in a manner commensurate with the need for reliable data that is informative to risk assessment and mitigation. Water and biofilm sampling procedures, as well as factors influencing sample representativeness and detection sensitivity, are critically evaluated with respect to the five representative bacterial and amoebal OPPPs noted above. Available culturing and molecular approaches are discussed in terms of their advantages, limitations, and applicability. Knowledge gaps and research needs towards standardized approaches are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Emilie Bédard
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Prévost
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne K Camper
- Center for Biofilm Engineering and Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Vincent R Hill
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Amy Pruden
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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King HC, Khera-Butler T, James P, Oakley BB, Erenso G, Aseffa A, Knight R, Wellington EM, Courtenay O. Environmental reservoirs of pathogenic mycobacteria across the Ethiopian biogeographical landscape. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173811. [PMID: 28333945 PMCID: PMC5363844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterium genus comprises over one-hundred-and-fifty recognised species, the majority of which reside in the environment and many of which can be pathogenic to mammals. Some species of environmental mycobacteria may interfere with BCG vaccination efficacy and in tuberculin test interpretation. Examining biogeographic trends in the distribution of members of the mycobacteria across a number of physicochemical and spatial gradients in soil and water environments across Ethiopia using oligotyping identified differential distributions of pathogenic and significant species. The tuberculosis complex was identified in more than 90% of water samples and taxonomic groups implicated in lower BCG vaccine efficiency were core in both soil and water Mycobacterium communities. A reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis was identified in water, with up to 7.3×102 genome equivalents per ml. Elevation, temperature, habitat and vegetation type were important predictors of both soil and water Mycobacterium communities. These results represent the first step in understanding the potential risk of exposure to environmental mycobacteria that may undermine efforts to reduce disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley C. King
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanya Khera-Butler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip James
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Brian B. Oakley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Girume Erenso
- St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), ALERT Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Computer Science, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - Orin Courtenay
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Hoisington AJ, Brenner LA, Kinney KA, Postolache TT, Lowry CA. The microbiome of the built environment and mental health. MICROBIOME 2015; 3:60. [PMID: 26674771 PMCID: PMC4682225 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-015-0127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome of the built environment (MoBE) is a relatively new area of study. While some knowledge has been gained regarding impacts of the MoBE on the human microbiome and disease vulnerability, there is little knowledge of the impacts of the MoBE on mental health. Depending on the specific microbial species involved, the transfer of microorganisms from the built environment to occupant's cutaneous or mucosal membranes has the potential to increase or disrupt immunoregulation and/or exaggerate or suppress inflammation. Preclinical evidence highlighting the influence of the microbiota on systemic inflammation supports the assertion that microorganisms, including those originating from the built environment, have the potential to either increase or decrease the risk of inflammation-induced psychiatric conditions and their symptom severity. With advanced understanding of both the ecology of the built environment, and its influence on the human microbiome, it may be possible to develop bioinformed strategies for management of the built environment to promote mental health. Here we present a brief summary of microbiome research in both areas and highlight two interdependencies including the following: (1) effects of the MoBE on the human microbiome and (2) potential opportunities for manipulation of the MoBE in order to improve mental health. In addition, we propose future research directions including strategies for assessment of changes in the microbiome of common areas of built environments shared by multiple human occupants, and associated cohort-level changes in the mental health of those who spend time in the buildings. Overall, our understanding of the fields of both the MoBE and influence of host-associated microorganisms on mental health are advancing at a rapid pace and, if linked, could offer considerable benefit to health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hoisington
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, US Air Force Academy, 2354 Fairchild Dr. Suite 6H-161, Colorado Springs, CO, 80840, USA.
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver, CO, 80220, USA.
| | - Kerry A Kinney
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas Austin, 402 E. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX, 78712-1085, USA.
| | - Teodor T Postolache
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, Rocky Mountain MIRECC and VISN 5 MIRECC, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0354, USA.
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Saxena G, Bharagava RN, Kaithwas G, Raj A. Microbial indicators, pathogens and methods for their monitoring in water environment. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2015; 13:319-39. [PMID: 26042966 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2014.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Water is critical for life, but many people do not have access to clean and safe drinking water and die because of waterborne diseases. The analysis of drinking water for the presence of indicator microorganisms is key to determining microbiological quality and public health safety. However, drinking water-related illness outbreaks are still occurring worldwide. Moreover, different indicator microorganisms are being used in different countries as a tool for the microbiological examination of drinking water. Therefore, it becomes very important to understand the potentials and limitations of indicator microorganisms before implementing the guidelines and regulations designed by various regulatory agencies. This review provides updated information on traditional and alternative indicator microorganisms with merits and demerits in view of their role in managing the waterborne health risks as well as conventional and molecular methods proposed for monitoring of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in the water environment. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) water safety plan is emphasized in order to develop the better approaches designed to meet the requirements of safe drinking water supply for all mankind, which is one of the major challenges of the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Saxena
- Department of Environmental Microbiology (DEM), School for Environmental Sciences (SES), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226 025 UP, India E-mail:
| | - Ram Naresh Bharagava
- Department of Environmental Microbiology (DEM), School for Environmental Sciences (SES), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226 025 UP, India E-mail:
| | - Gaurav Kaithwas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS), School for Biosciences and Biotechnology (SBBT), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226 025 UP, India
| | - Abhay Raj
- Environmental Microbiology Section, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226 001 UP, India
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Chou MP, Clements ACA, Thomson RM. A spatial epidemiological analysis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in Queensland, Australia. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:279. [PMID: 24885916 PMCID: PMC4049494 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been changing and the incidence has been increasing in some settings. The main route of transmission to humans is considered to be from the environment. We aimed to describe spatial clusters of cases of NTM infections and to identify associated climatic, environmental and socio-economic variables. METHODS NTM data were obtained from the Queensland Mycobacterial Reference Laboratory for the period 2001-2011. A Bayesian spatial conditional autoregressive model was constructed at the postcode level, with covariates including soil variables, maximum, mean and minimum rainfall and temperature, income (proportion of population earning < $32,000 and < $52,000) and land use category. RESULTS Significant clusters of NTM infection were identified in the central Queensland region overlying the Surat sub-division of the Great Artesian Basin, as well as in the lower North Queensland Local Government Area known as the Whitsunday region. Our models estimated an expected increase of 21% per percentage increase of population earning < $52,000 (95% CI 9-34%) and an expected decrease of 13% for every metre increase of average topsoil depth for risk of Mycobacterium intracellulare infection (95% CI -3 - -22%). There was an estimated increase of 79% per mg/m3 increase of soil bulk density (95% CI 26-156%) and 19% decrease for every percentage increase in population earning < $32,000 for risk of M. kansasii infection (95% CI -3 - -49%). CONCLUSIONS There were distinct spatial clusters of M. kansasii, M. intracellulare and M. abscessus infections in Queensland, and a number of socio-ecological, economic and environmental factors were found to be associated with NTM infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Chou
- University of Queensland, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, Brisbane, Australia.
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Torvinen E, Suomalainen S, Paulin L, Kusnetsov J. Mycobacteria in Finnish cooling tower waters. APMIS 2013; 122:353-8. [PMID: 23937212 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Evaporative cooling towers are water systems used in, e.g., industry and telecommunication to remove excess heat by evaporation of water. Temperatures of cooling waters are usually optimal for mesophilic microbial growth and cooling towers may liberate massive amounts of bacterial aerosols. Outbreaks of legionellosis associated with cooling towers have been known since the 1980's, but occurrences of other potentially pathogenic bacteria in cooling waters are mostly unknown. We examined the occurrence of mycobacteria, which are common bacteria in different water systems and may cause pulmonary and other soft tissue infections, in cooling waters containing different numbers of legionellae. Mycobacteria were isolated from all twelve cooling systems and from 92% of the 24 samples studied. Their numbers in the positive samples varied from 10 to 7.3 × 10(4) cfu/L. The isolated species included M. chelonae/abscessus, M. fortuitum, M. mucogenicum, M. peregrinum, M. intracellulare, M. lentiflavum, M. avium/nebraskense/scrofulaceum and many non-pathogenic species. The numbers of mycobacteria correlated negatively with the numbers of legionellae and the concentration of copper. The results show that cooling towers are suitable environments for potentially pathogenic mycobacteria. Further transmission of mycobacteria from the towers to the environment needs examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eila Torvinen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Räsänen NH, Rintala H, Miettinen IT, Torvinen E. Comparison of culture and qPCR methods in detection of mycobacteria from drinking waters. Can J Microbiol 2013; 59:280-6. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2012-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Environmental mycobacteria are common bacteria in man-made water systems and may cause infections and hypersensitivity pneumonitis via exposure to water. We compared a generally used cultivation method and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to detect mycobacteria in 3 types of drinking waters: surface water, ozone-treated surface water, and groundwater. There was a correlation between the numbers of mycobacteria obtained by cultivation and qPCR methods, but the ratio of the counts obtained by the 2 methods varied among the types of water. The qPCR counts in the drinking waters produced from surface or groundwater were 5 to 34 times higher than culturable counts. In ozone-treated surface waters, both methods gave similar counts. The ozone-treated drinking waters had the highest concentration of assimilable organic carbon, which may explain the good culturability. In warm tap waters, qPCR gave 43 times higher counts than cultivation, but both qPCR counts and culturable counts were lower than those in the drinking waters collected from the same sites. The TaqMan qPCR method is a rapid and sensitive tool for total quantitation of mycobacteria in different types of clean waters. The raw water source and treatments affect both culturability and total numbers of mycobacteria in drinking waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora H.J. Räsänen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Finland
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Finland
| | - Helena Rintala
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ilkka T. Miettinen
- Water and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eila Torvinen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Finland
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