1
|
da Silva TCB, Chaúque BJM, Benitez GB, Rott MB. Global prevalence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in sewage and sewage-related environments-systematic review with meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:148. [PMID: 38433138 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in sewage-related environments still needs to be systematically documented. This study summarizes the occurrence of FLA in sewage-related environments through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 1983 scientific article were retrieved from different databases, of which 35 were selected and analyzed using a random effects forest plot model with a 95% confidence interval (IC). The pooled overall prevalence of FLA in sewage across 12 countries was 68.96% (95% IC = 58.5-79.42). Subgroup analysis indicates high prevalence in all environments analyzed, including sewage water from the sewage treatment plant (81.19%), treated sewage water (75.57%), sewage-contaminated water (67.70%), sediment contaminated by sewage (48.91%), and sewage water (47.84%). Prevalence values of Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp., and Naegleria spp. are 47.48%, 28.24%, and 16.69%, respectively. Analyzing the species level, the distribution is as follows: Acanthamoeba palestinensis (88%), A. castellanii (23.74%), A. astronyxis (19.18%), A. polyphaga (13.59%), A. culbertsoni (12.5%), A. stevensoni (8.33%), A. tubiashi (4.35%) and A. hatchetti (1.1%), Naegleria fowleri (28.4%), N. gruberi (25%), N. clarki (8.33%), N. australiensis (4.89%) and N. italica (4.29%), Hartmannella/Vermamoeba exundans (40%) and H.V. vermiform (32.61%). Overall, our findings indicate a high risk associated with sewage-related environments, as the prevalence of FLA, including pathogenic strains, is high, even in treated sewage water. The findings of this study may be valuable both for risk remediation actions against amoebic infections and for future research endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Guilherme Brittes Benitez
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Polytechnic School, Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
- Laboratory 520, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, N 2600, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3033-3050. [PMID: 36040629 PMCID: PMC9424809 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57–50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977–2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010–2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33–62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87–45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48–55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fabros MRL, Diesta XRS, Oronan JA, Verdejo KS, Garcia JASM, Sophia Romey M, Milanez GDJ. Current report on the prevalence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:563-574. [PMID: 34371494 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs is considered a public health concern. FLAs are known to cause serious health outcomes to a wide spectrum of mammalian hosts. The present study aimed to provide the distribution of isolated cases of FLAs in hot springs through a systematic review process of available published articles online. Relevant studies are published between January 2010 and January 2020 involving the isolation of Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia spp., Sappinia spp., and Vermamoeba spp. in natural hot springs in the United States, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Articles were identified through a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Out of 94 articles screened, a total of 20 articles are included in the study with consideration of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common FLAs isolated in hot springs are Acanthamoeba spp. (134; 48.5%) and Naegleria spp. (127; 46.0%). Other FLAs isolated in hot springs include Balamuthia spp. (2; 0.7%) and Vermamoeba spp. (13; 4.7%). FLA in hot springs used for recreational and medical purposes is a potential source of infection. It is recommended that strict surveillance and maintenance of hot springs be implemented to prevent potential future infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Anthony Oronan
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Kim Sofia Verdejo
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | | | - Ma Sophia Romey
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail:
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1015, Philippines E-mail: ; Division III (Medical Sciences), National Research Council of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vaidya B, Nakarmi S. A Qualitative Study of Patients' Beliefs and Perception on Medicinal Properties of Natural Hot Spring Bath for Musculoskeletal Problems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 2020:3694627. [PMID: 32695190 PMCID: PMC7368217 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3694627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural therapy modalities such as thermal therapy and balneotherapy are commonly being practiced for the management of chronic aches and pain all over the world. Nepal has many such natural hot water springs among which few are famous for therapeutic purposes. Thousands of people with some musculoskeletal problem visit those places in the hope of getting rid of their problems. This study aimed to understand their belief in such therapies, expectations, and satisfaction after treatment along with their knowledge of the safety of hot spring water bath. Among 126 participants interviewed, 31% had inflammatory arthritis, followed by degenerative disorders in 29.4% and soft-tissue rheumatism in 12.7%. Around three-quarters believed that hot spring water has natural healing power and thus can improve their pain. Many even believed that water in natural springs is devoid of any chemicals. So, it is a safe treatment option. Regarding the expectation of cure, they had mixed opinions. Naïve participants hoped they might find a permanent cure in thermal baths. However, repeated visitors said that the effect usually lasted for a few months and they have to visit there regularly. Almost two-thirds of people thought that such natural treatment does not have any side effects. Few stated that they had faced certain problems after the treatment. The water tested from the study site showed that it contained a higher amount of chlorine and sulfate in comparison to other hot water springs in Nepal. The minerals present in water might be a cause of temporary relief of pain. Also, outbreaks of infection from common spring baths have to be considered as such cases have been reported in the past. In conclusion, the medicinal benefits of such natural hot water springs have to be studied further and awareness regarding safety should be given to the people seeking treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binit Vaidya
- National Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shweta Nakarmi
- National Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Kathmandu, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pazoki H, Niyyati M, Javanmard E, Lasjerdi Z, Spotin A, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Isolation of N. philippinensis and N. americana strains from irrigation waters of farmland soils in Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:24568-24573. [PMID: 32342421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) including Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris are among the many waterborne parasites. There is not much known about the possible FLA contamination of the irrigation resources watering crops and agricultural lands in this country. Forty-five water samples were collected from water canals used for irrigation of farmlands and tested for the presence of pathogenic FLA using morphological and molecular-based methodology. The ITS region of Naegleria species was sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was generated to confirm the genetic associations and taxonomic status of the identified Naegleria spp. A total of seven (15.5%) samples were positive for FLA. Molecular analyses identified two strains as N. philippinensis (isolates: PW1 and PW2) isolated from irrigation treated water. One strain showed high homology with N. americana (isolate: PW3). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study to isolate the two strains of N. philippinensis and N. americana from agricultural waters in Iran. The presence of the FLA in irrigation waters should be considered a potential health threat for exposed farmers and other people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Pazoki
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Lasjerdi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, CY-2408, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saberi R, Seifi Z, Dodangeh S, Najafi A, Abdollah Hosseini S, Anvari D, Taghipour A, Norouzi M, Niyyati M. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis on the global prevalence of
Naegleria
spp. in water sources. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2389-2402. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saberi
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Zahra Seifi
- Student Research Committee Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Azar Najafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology Paramedical Faculty Ilam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Lorestan Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Medical Parasitology School of Medicine Toxoplasmosis Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology Faculty of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Metagenomic analysis of viruses, bacteria and protozoa in irrigation water. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 224:113440. [PMID: 31978735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Viruses (e.g., noroviruses and hepatitis A and E virus), bacteria (e.g., Salmonella spp. and pathogenic Escherichia coli) and protozoa (e.g., Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis) are well-known contributors to food-borne illnesses linked to contaminated fresh produce. As agricultural irrigation increases the total amount of water used annually, reclaimed water is a good alternative to reduce dependency on conventional irrigation water sources. European guidelines have established acceptable concentrations of certain pathogens and/or indicators in irrigation water, depending on the irrigation system used and the irrigated crop. However, the incidences of food-borne infections are known to be underestimated and all the different pathogens contributing to these infections are not known. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables the determination of the viral, bacterial and protozoan populations present in a water sample, providing an opportunity to detect emerging pathogens and develop improved tools for monitoring the quality of irrigation water. This is a descriptive study of the virome, bacteriome and parasitome present in different irrigation water sources. We applied the same concentration method for all the studied samples and specific metagenomic approaches to characterize both DNA and RNA viruses, bacteria and protozoa. In general, most of the known viral species corresponded to plant viruses and bacteriophages. Viral diversity in river water varied over the year, with higher bacteriophage prevalences during the autumn and winter. Reservoir water contained Enterobacter cloacae, an opportunistic human pathogen and an indicator of fecal contamination, as well as Naegleria australiensis and Naegleria clarki. Hepatitis E virus and Naegleria fowleri, emerging human pathogens, were detected in groundwater. Reclaimed water produced in a constructed wetland system presented a virome and bacteriome that resembled those of freshwater samples (river and reservoir water). Viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens were occasionally detected in the different irrigation water sources included in this study, justifying the use of improved NGS techniques to get a comprehensive evaluation of microbial species and potential environmental health hazards associated to irrigation water.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dendana F, Trabelsi H, Neiji S, Sellami H, Kammoun S, Makni F, Feki J, Cheikhrouhou F, Ayadi A. Isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp from oasis water in Tunisia. Exp Parasitol 2018; 187:37-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
9
|
Gomaa F, Gersh M, Cavanaugh CM. Diverse Legionella-Like Bacteria Associated with Testate Amoebae of the Genus Arcella (Arcellinida: Amoebozoa). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2018; 65:661-668. [PMID: 29443446 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diverse species of Legionella and Legionella-like amoebal pathogens (LLAPs) have been identified as intracellular bacteria in many amoeboid protists. There are, however, other amoeboid groups such as testate amoeba for which we know little about their potential to host such bacteria. In this study, we assessed the occurrence and diversity of Legionella spp. in cultures and environmental isolates of freshwater arcellinid testate amoebae species, Arcella hemispherica, Arcella intermedia, and Arcella vulgaris, via 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that A. hemispherica, A. intermedia, and A. vulgaris host Legionella-like bacteria with 94-98% identity to other Legionella spp. based on NCBI BLAST search. Phylogenetic analysis placed Legionella-like Arcella-associated bacteria (LLAB) in three different clusters within a tree containing all other members of Legionella and LLAPs. The intracellular localization of the Legionella within Arcella hosts was confirmed using FISH with a Legionella-specific probe. This study demonstrates that the host range of Legionella and Legionella-like bacteria in the Amoebozoa extends beyond members of "naked" amoebae species, with members of the testate amoebae potentially serving an ecological role in the dispersal, protection, and replication of Legionella spp. in natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Gomaa
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Biological Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
| | - Maxim Gersh
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Biological Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
| | - Colleen M Cavanaugh
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Biological Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Boamah DK, Zhou G, Ensminger AW, O'Connor TJ. From Many Hosts, One Accidental Pathogen: The Diverse Protozoan Hosts of Legionella. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:477. [PMID: 29250488 PMCID: PMC5714891 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The 1976 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease led to the discovery of the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Given their impact on human health, Legionella species and the mechanisms responsible for their replication within host cells are often studied in alveolar macrophages, the primary human cell type associated with disease. Despite the potential severity of individual cases of disease, Legionella are not spread from person-to-person. Thus, from the pathogen's perspective, interactions with human cells are accidents of time and space—evolutionary dead ends with no impact on Legionella's long-term survival or pathogenic trajectory. To understand Legionella as a pathogen is to understand its interaction with its natural hosts: the polyphyletic protozoa, a group of unicellular eukaryotes with a staggering amount of evolutionary diversity. While much remains to be understood about these enigmatic hosts, we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning Legionella's natural host range, the diversity of Legionella-protozoa interactions, the factors influencing these interactions, the importance of avoiding the generalization of protozoan-bacterial interactions based on a limited number of model hosts and the central role of protozoa to the biology, evolution, and persistence of Legionella in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David K Boamah
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guangqi Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander W Ensminger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tamara J O'Connor
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Occurrence of Infected Free-Living Amoebae in Cooling Towers of Southern Brazil. Curr Microbiol 2017; 74:1461-1468. [PMID: 28840339 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study determined the occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) and bacteria associated with amoebae in air-conditioning cooling towers in southern Brazil. Water samples were collected from 36 cooling systems from air-conditioning in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The organisms were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing automated. The results showed that these aquatic environments, with variable temperature, are potential "hot spots" for emerging human pathogens like free-living amoebae and bacteria associated. In total, 92% of the cooling-tower samples analyzed were positive for FLA, and Acanthamoeba was the dominant genus by culture and PCR. Amoebal isolates revealed intracellular bacteria in 39.3% of them and all were confirmed as members of the genus Pseudomonas. The results obtained show the important role of cooling towers as a source of amoebae-associated pathogens.
Collapse
|
12
|
Latifi AR, Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Haghighi A, Tabaei SJS, Lasjerdi Z, Azargashb E. Occurrence of Naegleria species in therapeutic geothermal water sources, Northern Iran. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:104-109. [PMID: 28030337 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Potentially pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae include members belonging to Naegleria genus. The species N. fowleri is known worldwide as the causative agent of the lethal Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Only one clinical case of N. fowleri has been reported in Iran. Several species of Naegleria have been reported to be natural carriers of other potentially pathogenic microbial agents. The thermotolerance properties of this genus facilitates their presence in geothermal water sources including hot springs and spas. In the current study water samples were collected from 22 therapeutic hot springs, Northern Iran and investigated for the presence of Naegleria spp. using morphological keys and PCR/DNA sequencing based methods. Incubation of collected samples were done at both 30°C and 45°C in order to detect Naegleria spp. and N. fowleri, respectively. Thermotolerance assay and flagellation tests were also performed. The obtained results revealed that 54% of the investigated water samples were positive for Naegleria spp. including N. australiensis, N. americana, N. dobsoni, N. pagei, N. polaris and N. fultoni. The pathogenic N. fowleri was not detected. The most detected Naegleria was belonged to N. australiensis. This is the first report on the Naegleria spp. occurrence in hot springs in Northern Iran showing that most of the surveyed hot spring sources were contaminated with non-pathogenic Naegleria spp. However, due to the recent report of PAM in the country, further studies to investigate the presence of pathogenic N. fowleri in the environment and clinical samples is needed in the region and worldwide.
Collapse
|
13
|
Plutzer J, Karanis P. Neglected waterborne parasitic protozoa and their detection in water. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 101:318-332. [PMID: 27281375 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Outbreak incidents raise the question of whether the less frequent aetiological agents of outbreaks are really less frequent in water. Alternatively, waterborne transmission could be relevant, but the lack of attention and rapid, sensitive methods to recover and detect the exogenous stages in water may keep them under-recognized. High quality information on the prevalence and detection of less frequent waterborne protozoa, such as Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora belli, Balantidium coli, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and other free-living amoebae (FLA), are not available. This present paper discusses the detection tools applied for the water surveillance of the neglected waterborne protozoa mentioned above and provides future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Plutzer
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China; National Public Health Center, National Directorate of Environmental Health, Environmental Health Testing Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Al-Herrawy AZ, Gad MA. Isolation and molecular identification of Naegleria fowleri from Nile river, Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2015; 90:161-165. [PMID: 26854897 DOI: 10.1097/01.epx.0000475937.97216.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the genus Naegleria are free-living amoebae distributed in various aquatic environments. Naegleria fowleri is the only species that can cause fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 48 Nile water samples were collected from the water stream passing though Cairo. The samples were processed for the detection of Naegleria spp. using non-nutrient agar at 45°C. The isolates of Naegleria spp. were identified based on the morphologic criteria of trophozoite, flagellated and cyst stages. Molecular characterization of the isolates was performed using PCR. RESULTS The obtained results showed that Naegleria spp. were found in 45.8% of Nile water samples by means of microscopic examination. Seasonally, the highest prevalence of Naegleria spp. was recorded in summer (66.7%). Moreover, the highest prevalence of N. fowleri was recorded in summer (25%). CONCLUSION The occurrence of heat-tolerant Naegleria spp., especially N. fowleri, in Nile water should be considered as a potential health threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Z Al-Herrawy
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hsu TK, Wu SF, Hsu BM, Kao PM, Tao CW, Shen SM, Ji WT, Huang WC, Fan CW. Surveillance of parasitic Legionella in surface waters by using immunomagnetic separation and amoebae enrichment. Pathog Glob Health 2015; 109:328-35. [PMID: 26373823 DOI: 10.1179/2047773215y.0000000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are potential reservoirs of Legionella in aquatic environments. However, the parasitic relationship between various Legionella and amoebae remains unclear. In this study, surface water samples were gathered from two rivers for evaluating parasitic Legionella. Warmer water temperature is critical to the existence of Legionella. This result suggests that amoebae may be helpful in maintaining Legionella in natural environments because warmer temperatures could enhance parasitisation of Legionella in amoebae. We next used immunomagnetic separation (IMS) to identify extracellular Legionella and remove most free Legionella before detecting the parasitic ones in selectively enriched amoebae. Legionella pneumophila was detected in all the approaches, confirming that the pathogen is a facultative amoebae parasite. By contrast, two obligate amoebae parasites, Legionella-like amoebal pathogens (LLAPs) 8 and 9, were detected only in enriched amoebae. However, several uncultured Legionella were detected only in the extracellular samples. Because the presence of potential hosts, namely Vermamoeba vermiformis, Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria gruberi, was confirmed in the samples that contained intracellular Legionella, uncultured Legionella may survive independently of amoebae. Immunomagnetic separation and amoebae enrichment may have referential value for detecting parasitic Legionella in surface waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsui-Kang Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital , Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Ji WT, Huang PH, Hsueh CJ, Chiang CS, Huang SW, Huang YL. Application of TaqMan fluorescent probe-based quantitative real-time PCR assay for the environmental survey of Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila in drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:416-421. [PMID: 24867705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, TaqMan fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR was performed to quantify Legionella species in reservoirs. Water samples were collected from 19 main reservoirs in Taiwan, and 12 (63.2%) were found to contain Legionella spp. The identified species included uncultured Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, L. jordanis, and L. drancourtii. The concentrations of Legionella spp. and L. pneumophila in the water samples were in the range of 1.8×10(2)-2.6×10(3) and 1.6×10(2)-2.4×10(2) cells/L, respectively. The presence and absence of Legionella spp. in the reservoir differed significantly in pH values. These results highlight the importance that L. pneumophila, L. jordanis, and L. drancourtii are potential pathogens in the reservoirs. The presence of L. pneumophila in reservoirs may be a potential public health concern that must be further examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Tsui-Kang Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Tsai Ji
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Jen Hsueh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chuen-Sheue Chiang
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Wei Huang
- Center for General Education, Cheng-Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Li Huang
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Chiu YC, Chang CL, Ji WT, Huang SW, Fan CW. Application of TaqMan qPCR for the detection and monitoring of Naegleria species in reservoirs used as a source for drinking water. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3765-71. [PMID: 25079704 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria spp. can be found in the natural aquatic environments. Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal infections in the central nervous system in humans and animals, and the most important source of infection is through direct water contact. In this study, PCR of 5.8S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was performed in order to identify Naegleria isolates and quantify the Naegleria spp. by TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR in reservoir water samples. The occurrence of Naegleria spp. was investigated in 57 water samples from reservoirs with culture and PCR positive in 2 of them (3.5%), respectively. The total detection rate was 7.0% (4/ 57) for Naegleria spp. The identified species included Naegleria spp., Naegleria canariensis, and Naegleria clarki. N. fowleri was not found in Taiwan's reservoirs used for drinking purposes. The concentrations of Naegleria spp. in detected positive reservoir water samples were in the range of 599 and 3.1 × 10(3) cells/L. The presence or absence of Naegleria spp. within the reservoir water samples showed significant difference with the levels of water temperature. The presence of Naegleria spp. in reservoirs considered a potential public health threat if pathogenic species exist in reservoirs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, No.168, Sec. 1, University Rd., Minhsiung Township, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Żbikowska E, Kletkiewicz H, Walczak M, Burkowska A. Coexistence of Legionella pneumophila Bacteria and Free-Living Amoebae in Lakes Serving as a Cooling System of a Power Plant. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2014; 225:2066. [PMID: 25132694 PMCID: PMC4127003 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-014-2066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The study was aimed at determining whether potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) and Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Pątnów and Konin (Poland). The numbers of investigated organisms were determined with the use of a very sensitive molecular method-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The result of the present study shows that thermally altered aquatic environments provide perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila and amoebae. The bacteria were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period and in the subsurface water layer in July and August. Hartmanella sp. and/or Naegleria fowleri were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Żbikowska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Hanna Kletkiewicz
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Walczak
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Burkowska
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Goudot S, Herbelin P, Mathieu L, Soreau S, Banas S, Jorand F. Biocidal efficacy of monochloramine against planktonic and biofilm-associated Naegleria fowleri
cells. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 116:1055-65. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Goudot
- EDF Recherche et Développement; Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement; Chatou Cedex France
- Université de Lorraine; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Institut Jean Barriol; Villers-lès-Nancy France
- CNRS; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Villers-lès-Nancy France
| | - P. Herbelin
- EDF Recherche et Développement; Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement; Chatou Cedex France
| | - L. Mathieu
- CNRS; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Villers-lès-Nancy France
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE); LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS-UL; Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - S. Soreau
- EDF Recherche et Développement; Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement; Chatou Cedex France
| | - S. Banas
- Université de Lorraine; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Institut Jean Barriol; Villers-lès-Nancy France
- CNRS; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Villers-lès-Nancy France
| | - F.P.A. Jorand
- Université de Lorraine; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Institut Jean Barriol; Villers-lès-Nancy France
- CNRS; LCPME; UMR 7564 CNRS - UL; Villers-lès-Nancy France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Walczak M, Kletkiewicz H, Burkowska A. Occurrence of Legionella pneumophila in lakes serving as a cooling system of a power plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2013; 15:2273-2278. [PMID: 24141270 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00452j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining whether Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Pątnów and Konin (Poland). The numbers of bacteria belonging to different phylogenetic groups (bacteria, Legionella sp. and L. pneumophila) were determined with the use of a molecular FISH method. The results of the present study show that thermally altered aquatic environments provide perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila. These microorganisms were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period, and in the subsurface water layer in July and August. The percentage of L. pneumophila species in the Legionella genus was 11.55-12.42%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Walczak
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Identification and significance of Naegleria fowleri isolated from the hot spring which related to the first primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) patient in Taiwan. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:691-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
22
|
Peng HJ, Zhang C, Wang CM, Chen XG. Current status and challenge of Human Parasitology teaching in China. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 106:386-90. [PMID: 23265609 DOI: 10.1179/2047773212y.0000000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infection profile in China has been changed greatly with the rapid economic development in China since the 1980s, such as the tremendous decreased infection rate of the soil-borne helminthiasis, the elimination of filariasis, the control of malaria, and the initiation to eradicate malaria in 2020. Some food-borne parasitic infections have increased such as Clonorchiasis, Cysticercosis, and Echinococcosis, probably because of the increased chances of eating out. This trend directly affected the status of Human Parasitology teaching in medical universities, such as the shorten length of this course, re-adjusted contents structure and teaching manners, even the change of the name of this course. In this paper, we analyzed the current status and challenges of Human Parasitology teaching in medical universities, and discussed the requisite contents and manners in course delivery and measures to improve the quality of Human Parasitology teaching in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kao PM, Tung MC, Hsu BM, Chou MY, Yang HW, She CY, Shen SM. Quantitative detection and identification of Naegleria spp. in various environmental water samples using real-time quantitative PCR assay. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:1467-74. [PMID: 23430358 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3290-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria spp. is a free-living amoeba that can be found in various aquatic environments. There are some Naegleria spp. that can cause fatal infections in animals and humans, and the most important source of infection is through direct water contact. In this study, a real-time quantitative PCR was developed to detect and quantify the Naegleria spp. in various environmental water samples. The water samples were taken from rivershed, water treatment plants, and thermal spring recreation areas. The total detection rate was 4.0% (7/176) for Naegleria spp. The percentages of samples containing Naegleria spp. from river water, raw drinking water, and thermal spring water were 0% (0/100), 10.7% (3/28) and 8.3% (4/48), respectively. The concentration of Naegleria spp. in detected positive raw drinking water and thermal spring water samples was in the range of 3.9-12.6 and 1.1-24.2 cells/L, respectively. The identified species included Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria lovaniensis, and Naegleria spitzbergeniensis. The presence of Naegleria spp. in various aquatic environments is considered a potential public health threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kao PM, Tung MC, Hsu BM, Hsueh CJ, Chiu YC, Chen NH, Shen SM, Huang YL. Occurrence and distribution of Naegleria species from thermal spring environments in Taiwan. Lett Appl Microbiol 2012; 56:1-7. [PMID: 23020241 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Naegleria spp. is a free-living amoeba that can be found in the natural environment. A number of Naegleria spp. can cause fatal infections in the central nervous system in humans and animals, and the most important source of infection is through direct water contact. In this study, water samples from various thermal springs were taken from four thermal spring areas. Naegleria spp. was detected via culture confirmation and molecular taxonomic identification. Among the 60 samples obtained, Naegleria spp. was identified in 26 (43·3%) samples. The identified species included Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria gruberi, Naegleria lovaniensis and Naegleria mexicana. The presence of living Naegleria spp. was significantly associated with elevated pH value in the water sample. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY In this study, we examined the presence of living Naegleria spp. in thermal spring waters in south-eastern Taiwan. Naegleria spp. was isolated and culture-confirmed from thermal spring water. Naegleria fowleri was not found in all water samples, and Naegleria australiensis was the most common Naegleria genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P-M Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kao PM, Hsu BM, Chen NH, Huang KH, Huang CC, Ji DD, Chen JS, Lin WC, Huang SW, Chiu YC. Molecular detection and comparison of Acanthamoeba genotypes in different functions of watersheds in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:4335-4344. [PMID: 21800062 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The protistan genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba existing in various environments. Within this protistan genus, there are some species recognized as potential human pathogens, which may cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis and chronic granulomatous lesions of the skin. In this study, 211 water samples were collected from two watersheds in southern Taiwan. We detected Acanthamoeba based on the PCR amplification with a genus-specific primer pair and investigation of Acanthamoeba in Puzih River and Kaoping River in southern Taiwan. Acanthamoeba species were detected in 34 (16.1%) samples. The presence or absence of Acanthamoeba within the water samples showed significant difference with the levels of water temperature and total coliforms. The most frequently identified Acanthamoeba genotype was T4 (n = 19), followed by T5 (n = 8), and then T15 (n = 3). Genotype T6, T7/T8, T11 and T12 were all detected once. Genotype T4, T5, T6, T11 and T15 of Acanthamoeba are responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis and should be considered a potential health threat associated with human activities in environmental surface water watersheds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hsu BM, Huang CC, Chen JS, Chen NH, Huang JT. Comparison of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba hosts by Legionella spp. in substrate-associated biofilms and floating biofilms from spring environments. WATER RESEARCH 2011; 45:5171-5183. [PMID: 21831404 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study compares five genera of free-living amoebae (FLA) hosts by Legionella spp. in the fixed and floating biofilm samples from spring environments. Detection rate of Legionella spp. was 26.9% for the floating biofilms and 3.1% for the fixed biofilms. Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella vermiformis, and Naegleria spp. were more frequently detected in floating biofilm than in fixed biofilm samples. The percentage of pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. among all the genus Acanthamoeba detected positive samples was 19.6%. The potential pathogenic Naegleria spp. (for example, Naegleria australiensis, Naegleria philippinensis, and Naegleria italica) was 54.2% to all the Naegleria detected positive samples. In the study, 12 serotypes of possible pneumonia causing Legionella spp. were detected, and their percentage in all the Legionella containing samples was 42.4%. The FLA parasitized by Legionella included unnamed Acanthamoeba genotype, Acanthamoeba griffini, Acanthamoeba jacobsi, H. vermiformis, and N. australiensis. Significant differences were also observed between the presence/absence of H. vermiformis and Legionella parasitism in FLA. Comparisons between the culture-confirmed method and the PCR-based detection method for detecting FLA and Legionella in biofilms showed great variation. Therefore, using these analysis methods together to detect FLA and Legionella is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Buse H, Ashbolt N. Differential growth of Legionella pneumophila strains within a range of amoebae at various temperatures associated with in-premise plumbing. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 53:217-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2011.03094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
28
|
Isolation and identification of Legionella and their host amoebae from weak alkaline carbonate spring water using a culture method combined with PCR. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:1233-41. [PMID: 21537990 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Legionella were detected with the direct DNA extraction method, Legionella culture method, and free-living amoebae (FLA) culture method from weak alkaline carbonate spring water in Taiwan. Moreover, we also investigated the existence of Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella, and Naegleria, ubiquitous FLA in aquatic environments, to identify the correlations between existing Legionella. This study reports detecting Legionella in 15 of the 51 weak alkaline carbonate spring water samples (29.4%). This work also found five of the 51 samples (9.8%) analyzed by the direct DNA extraction method, three of the 51 (5.9%) samples analyzed by the Legionella culture method, and 11 of the 51 samples (21.6%) evaluated using the FLA culture method to be positive for Legionella. The most frequently identified Legionella species was the Legionella-like amoebal pathogen (n=5), followed by unidentified Legionella spp. (n=4), and Legionella pneumophila (n=4), Legionella fairfieldensis (n=3), and then Legionella rubrilucens (n=2). Legionella waltersii was detected once. The occurrence of Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella, and Naegleria were 5.9% (3/51), 52.9% (27/51), and 5.9% (3/51), respectively. All Hartmannella isolates were identified as Hartmannella vermiformis, and Naegleria isolates were all identified as Naegleria australiensis. The three Acanthamoeba isolates were identified as one Acanthamoeba polyphaga and two Acanthamoeba jacobsi. H. vermiformis (40.7%) were Legionella hosts, including all of the amoebae-resistant Legionella detected in the present study. Therefore, the important correlations between Legionella and H. vermiformis require further clarification. The combined results of this survey confirm that Legionella and FLA are ubiquitous in weak alkaline carbonate spring water in Taiwan.
Collapse
|