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Oduro D, Baafi E, Opoku-Agyeman P, Adams T, Okai AA, Bruku S, Kyei S, Banahene P, Danso-Coffie C, Boafo E, Yeboah R, Futagbi G, Duah-Quashie NO. Enteric parasites Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium hominis in domestic and wildlife animals in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:199. [PMID: 38698452 PMCID: PMC11064306 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06225-5] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. METHODS Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9-12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. RESULTS The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Esther Baafi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philip Opoku-Agyeman
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tryphena Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akweley Abena Okai
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Bruku
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sandra Kyei
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Phillip Banahene
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Caleb Danso-Coffie
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Boafo
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rhoda Yeboah
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Godfred Futagbi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Santos DEO, Zapata YAU, Buitrago CA, Herrera GS, Becoche LEC, Páez MCL, López MCB, Pineda CO. Occurrence of parasites in waters used for crops irrigation and vegetables from the Savannah of Bogotá, Colombia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:33360-33370. [PMID: 38676868 PMCID: PMC11136797 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established as a criterion of parasitological quality for irrigation water, ≤ 1 helminth egg/liter, which guarantees the safety in agricultural products. In this study, the presence of parasites in surface water used for irrigation of crops (n = 96) and vegetables (celery and lettuce) (n = 120), from the Former La Ramada irrigation district, was evaluated using conventional and molecular parasitological methods. Our findings showed contamination of irrigation systems in the study area with domestic wastewater, demonstrated by the presence of Ancylostomatidae eggs, Ascaris spp., Hymenolepis spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Giardia spp. cysts, and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium spp. A prevalence of 33% and 23.3% was calculated for helminths and protozoa, respectively in vegetables, representing a possible risk to human and animal health in relation to these parasites. These findings show the need for continuous monitoring of the water quality used for crop irrigation, as well as the safety of food, taking into account the values established in national and international regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Eduardo Ospina Santos
- Maestría en Ciencias Microbiología, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia
| | - Yulieth Alexandra Upegui Zapata
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia
| | - Catherine Aguilar Buitrago
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia
| | - Geraldine Sánchez Herrera
- Programa de Bacteriología y Laboratorio clínico, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá, DC, CP 111051, Colombia
| | - Libia Eunise Chandillo Becoche
- Programa de Bacteriología y Laboratorio clínico, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá, DC, CP 111051, Colombia
| | - Myriam Consuelo López Páez
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia
| | - Martha Cristina Bustos López
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Agrícola, Facultad de Ingeniería, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia.
| | - Carolina Ortiz Pineda
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, CP 111321, Colombia
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Golomazou E, Mamedova S, Eslahi AV, Karanis P. Cryptosporidium and agriculture: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170057. [PMID: 38242460 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170057] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a significant contributor to global foodborne and waterborne disease burden. It is a widespread cause of diarrheal diseases that affect humans and animals worldwide. Agricultural environments can become a source of contamination with Cryptosporidium species through faecal material derived from humans and animals. This review aims to report the main findings of scientific research on Cryptosporidium species related to various agricultural sectors, and highlights the risks of cryptosporidiosis in agricultural production, the contamination sources, the importance of animal production in transmission, and the role of farmed animals as hosts of the parasites. Agricultural contamination sources can cause water pollution in groundwater and different surface waters used for drinking, recreational purposes, and irrigation. The application of contaminated manure, faecal sludge management, and irrigation with inadequately treated water are the main concerns associated with foodborne and waterborne cryptosporidiosis related to agricultural activities. The review emphasizes the public health implications of agriculture concerning the transmission risk of Cryptosporidium parasites and the urgent need for a new concept in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the findings of this review provide valuable information for developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Golomazou
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment - Aquaculture Laboratory, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str., 38446 Volos, Greece
| | - Simuzer Mamedova
- Institute of Zoology, Ministry of Science and Education Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan & Department of Life Sciences, Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, 50931 Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Anatomy Centre, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Khattak I, Yen WL, Usman T, Nasreen N, Khan A, Ahmad S, Rehman G, Khan K, Said MB, Chen CC. Individual and Community-Level Risk Factors for Giardiasis in Children under Five Years of Age in Pakistan: A Prospective Multi-Regional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1087. [PMID: 37371318 DOI: 10.3390/children10061087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection and identify associated risk factors at both individual and community levels in a pediatric population in different agroecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2022. Using stratified sampling, 1026 households were recruited from nine agroecological zones. Stool samples were collected from 1026 children up to the age of five years and processed for detection of Giardia using a commercial ELISA kit. Data on potential risk factors were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated with giardiasis. RESULTS The study found that the prevalence of giardiasis in the study area was 3.31%. Children aged 13-24 months were found to be at higher risk for giardiasis. Illiterate mothers and fathers attending daycare institutions/kindergartens, mothers not practicing hand washing during critical times, households with companion animals, and homes where stray dogs/cats enter were identified as predictors of giardiasis at the individual level. Children living in sub-mountain valleys use un-piped water, inadequate domestic water storage vessels, drink un-boiled or unfiltered water, live near rubbish heaps or un-paved streets/pathways, and have unimproved latrine facilities were identified as risk factors of giardiasis at the community level. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the need for integrated intervention approaches at both individual and community levels to reduce the incidence of giardiasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Interventions aimed at promoting behavioral change and providing safe and adequate water sources, combined with individual-level interventions such as hand washing and awareness of giardiasis prevention methods, would be critical to addressing this health concern. Inter-sectoral collaboration between the health sector and other sectors would also be necessary to achieve meaningful progress in reducing the incidence of giardiasis in resource-limited areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Khattak
- College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Wen-Lan Yen
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Tahir Usman
- College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda 24540, Pakistan
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L1E4, Canada
| | - Saghir Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Gauhar Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Khurshaid Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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Moreno-Mesonero L, Amorós I, Moreno Y, Alonso JL. Simultaneous detection of less frequent waterborne parasitic protozoa in reused wastewater using amplicon sequencing and qPCR techniques. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 314:115029. [PMID: 35430514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne parasitic protozoa (WPP) infections have a worldwide distribution and are a source for epidemic and endemic human diseases. Although a variety of protozoa are commonly detected in wastewater and cited as causative agents of outbreaks, effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) used for irrigation can contain other pathogenic protozoa that are not currently being controlled. The lack of control on a routine basis using rapid and sensitive methods to detect these parasites in water may keep them under-recognized. This study focused on using molecular tools, 18 S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing and qPCR, to characterize WPP distribution in wastewater samples from urban WWTPs used for irrigation. A total of eight wastewater samples (from secondary and tertiary disinfection treatment effluents) were collected. Potentially pathogenic protozoa identified by 18 S rRNA sequencing and/or qPCR in the analyzed samples included Acanthamoeba spp., Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Giardia intestinalis assemblage A and Toxoplasma gondii Positive results by qPCR were in non-quantifiable levels. Blastocystis sp. was the most represented protozoa among the sequences retrieved from the amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis ST1 and ST2 were the most abundant subtypes among the obtained OTUs. Moreover, Blastocystis sp. ST3, ST4, ST6 and ST8 were also detected, although in lower abundances. Results of this study showed that WWTP effluents used for irrigation can provide a source of WPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Moreno-Mesonero
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - I Amorós
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Y Moreno
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J L Alonso
- Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Fradette MS, Culley AI, Charette SJ. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Environmental Water Samples: A Journey into the Past and New Perspectives. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061175. [PMID: 35744692 PMCID: PMC9228427 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the major issues linked with producing safe water for consumption is the presence of the parasitic protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Since they are both responsible for gastrointestinal illnesses that can be waterborne, their monitoring is crucial, especially in water sources feeding treatment plants. Although their discovery was made in the early 1900s and even before, it was only in 1999 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a standardized protocol for the detection of these parasites, modified and named today the U.S. EPA 1623.1 Method. It involves the flow-through filtration of a large volume of the water of interest, the elution of the biological material retained on the filter, the purification of the (oo)cysts, and the detection by immunofluorescence of the target parasites. Since the 1990s, several molecular-biology-based techniques were also developed to detect Cryptosporidium and Giardia cells from environmental or clinical samples. The application of U.S. EPA 1623.1 as well as numerous biomolecular methods are reviewed in this article, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed guiding the readers, such as graduate students, researchers, drinking water managers, epidemiologists, and public health specialists, through the ever-expanding number of techniques available in the literature for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Stéphanie Fradette
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.I.C.); (S.J.C.)
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Aménagement et Développement du Territoire (CRAD), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander I. Culley
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.I.C.); (S.J.C.)
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale (GREB), Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Steve J. Charette
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.I.C.); (S.J.C.)
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Biogas Wastewater: Management of Manure Livestock and Hygiene Aspects Using Influent, Effluent, Sewage Canal Samples, Vegetable, and Soil Samples. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020174. [PMID: 35215118 PMCID: PMC8875155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two water- and foodborne protozoan parasites that can cause diarrheal diseases. Poor microbial quality, sanitation conditions, and hygiene practices at exposure to biogas wastewater are important risk factors for human and animal infection. This study highlights the presence and level of both parasites in the environment in relation to biogas waste reuse in Vietnam. A total of 239 samples were collected from different types of samples in the studied districts in Bac Giang province in 2020 via direct immunofluorescent detection to study the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. (oo)cysts. Among the samples, Cryptosporidium was found in 19 (7.9%) with concentration from 1.104 to 3.105 oocysts/100 mL, while Giardia in 40 (16.7%) with concentration from 1.104 to 2.106 cysts/100 mL, respectively. In detail, the results show that the percentages of positive detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in influent, effluent, sewage canal, and vegetables were 13.1% (11/84), 6.0% (5/83), 15.4% (2/13) and 5.9% (1/17) and 26.2% (22/84), 7.2% (6/83), 7.7% (1/13) and 5.9% (1/17), respectively. The results show a trend of decreasing Cryptosporidium and Giardia densities, without statistical significance. Although these parasites decreased after biogas treatment, the remaining loads observed in biogas effluent can reach the watercourses and soil receiving it. Further investigations are needed to contribute to a general understanding of the risk of protozoan parasites, as well as strategies to control and reduce the contamination of environmental water sources and plants and reduce the burden of the pathogens in biogas wastewater in Vietnam.
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Abstract
As the most important resource for life, water has been a central issue on the international agenda for several decades. Yet, the world’s supply of clean freshwater is steadily decreasing due to extensive agricultural demand for irrigated lands. Therefore, water resources should be used with greater efficiency, and the use of non-traditional water resources, such as Treated Wastewater (TW), should be increased. Reusing TW could be an alternative option to increase water resources. Thus, many countries have decided to turn wastewater into an irrigation resource to help meet urban demand and address water shortages. However, because of the nature of that water, there are potential problems associated with its use in irrigation. Some of the major concerns are health hazards, salinity build-up, and toxicity hazards. The objectives of this comprehensive literature review are to illuminate the importance of using TW in irrigation as an alternative freshwater source and to assess the effects of its use on soil fertility and other soil properties, plants, and public health. The literature review reveals that TW reuse has become part of the extension program for boosting water resource utilization. However, the uncontrolled application of such waters has many unfavorable effects on both soils and plants, especially in the long-term. To reduce these unfavorable effects when using TW in irrigation, proper guidelines for wastewater reuse and management should be followed to limit negative effects significantly.
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Daraei H, Oliveri Conti G, Sahlabadi F, Thai VN, Gholipour S, Turki H, Fakhri Y, Ferrante M, Moradi A, Mousavi Khaneghah A. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in water: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:9498-9507. [PMID: 33150505 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., as a genus of protozoan intestinal parasites, is recognized as responsible for cryptosporidiosis. The present study was conducted to provide an overview of the prevalence of Cryptosporidium based on water. In this regard, some databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were screened in order to retrieve the related citations from 1 January 1983 to 10 September 2019. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was calculated by using a random effect model (REM) based on defined subgroups, including countries, water type, treatment conditions (treated and untreated), economic condition, World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and method of detection. In contrast, this index for treated and untreated water was 25.7% and 40.1%, respectively. Also, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among all water types was defined as 36 (95% CI: 31.4-40.7). The rank order of prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. based on water type was wastewater (46.9%) > surface water (45.3%) > raw water (31.6%) > drinking water (25.5%) > reservoirs water (24.5%) > groundwater (18.8%) > swimming pool water (7.5%) > marine water (0.20%). Identifying the key contributing factors to Cryptosporidium spp. survival can help provide solutions at both local and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasti Daraei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA) of Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Sahlabadi
- Food Health Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Van Nam Thai
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), 475A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Habibollah Turki
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Food Health Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA) of Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Ali Moradi
- Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amin Mousavi Khaneghah
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fan Y, Wang X, Yang R, Zhao W, Li N, Guo Y, Xiao L, Feng Y. Molecular characterization of the waterborne pathogens Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Eimeria spp. in wastewater and sewage in Guangzhou, China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:66. [PMID: 33472683 PMCID: PMC7818739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The waterborne pathogens Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cyclospora cayetanensis can cause intestinal diseases in humans. An understanding of their occurrence and transport in the environment is essential for accurate quantitative microbial risk assessment. Methods A total of 238 influent samples were collected from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 88 samples from eight sewer locations in Guangzhou, China. PCR-based tools were used to detect and genetically characterize Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi. Eimeria spp. and Cyclospora spp. were also analyzed to assess the sources of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi in wastewater. Results The overall occurrence rates in the WWTP and sewer samples were 14.3% (34/238) and 13.6% (12/88) for Cryptosporidium spp., 55.5% (132/238) and 33.0% (29/88) for G. duodenalis, 56.3% (134/238) and 26.1% (23/88) for E. bieneusi and 45.4% (108/238) and 47.7% (42/88) for Eimeria spp., respectively. Altogether, 11 Cryptosporidium species and genotypes, six G. duodenalis genotypes, 11 E. bieneusi genotypes and four C. cayetanensis were found, together with the presence of nine Eimeria species. The common occurrence of Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV, C. muris and Eimeria papillata and E. nieschulzi suggested that rodents were significant sources of the enteric pathogens detected in the wastewater samples. Conclusions While the dominant Cryptosporidium spp. detected in the raw wastewater sampled in this study are not pathogenic to humans, the widely detected G. duodenalis assemblage A and E. bieneusi genotypes D and Type IV are well-known zoonotic pathogens. Further studies are needed to monitor the occurrence of these waterborne pathogens in WWTPs to better understand their transmission and environmental transport in China.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Fan
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruohong Yang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
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Zahedi A, Monis P, Deere D, Ryan U. Wastewater-based epidemiology-surveillance and early detection of waterborne pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4167-4188. [PMID: 33409629 PMCID: PMC7787619 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Waterborne diseases are a major global problem, resulting in high morbidity and mortality, and massive economic costs. The ability to rapidly and reliably detect and monitor the spread of waterborne diseases is vital for early intervention and preventing more widespread disease outbreaks. Pathogens are, however, difficult to detect in water and are not practicably detectable at acceptable concentrations that need to be achieved in treated drinking water (which are of the order one per million litre). Furthermore, current clinical-based surveillance methods have many limitations such as the invasive nature of the testing and the challenges in testing large numbers of people. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), which is based on the analysis of wastewater to monitor the emergence and spread of infectious disease at a population level, has received renewed attention in light of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present review will focus on the application of WBE for the detection and surveillance of pathogens with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the waterborne protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The review highlights the benefits and challenges of WBE and the future of this tool for community-wide infectious disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zahedi
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Daniel Deere
- Water Futures and Water Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
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Javanmard E, Mirsamadi ES, Olfatifar M, Ghasemi E, Saki F, Mirjalali H, Zali MR, Karanis P. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in vegetables in Iran: a nineteen-years meta-analysis review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:1629-1641. [PMID: 33312667 PMCID: PMC7721826 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two major protozoa reported from vegetables and environment. The prevalence of these parasites supposes to be different regarding the climate zones. This review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in vegetables according to the major climate zones in Iran. The results showed pooled prevalence 7% (95% CI: 2%, 14%) and 4% (95% CI: 3%, 6%) for Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp., respectively. The prevalence of Giardia spp. in mountain, desert and semi-desert, and Mediterranean regions was 4% (95% CI: 2%, 6%), 5% (95% CI: 3%, 8%) and 7% (95% CI: 1%, 18%), respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. was reported 8% (95% CI: 0%, 65%), 6% (95% CI: 0%, 18%) and 4% (95% CI: 0%, 77%) from mountain, desert and semi-desert, and Mediterranean climate zones, respectively. This review suggests the higher prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Mediterranean and mountain regions, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Javanmard
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Sadat Mirsamadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Ghasemi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saki
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Teacher Education, Farhangian University, Alborz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus
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13
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Zahedi A, Ryan U. Cryptosporidium – An update with an emphasis on foodborne and waterborne transmission. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:500-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ligda P, Claerebout E, Kostopoulou D, Zdragas A, Casaert S, Robertson LJ, Sotiraki S. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in surface water and drinking water: Animal sources and towards the use of a machine-learning approach as a tool for predicting contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114766. [PMID: 32417583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important parasites due to their zoonotic potential and impact on human health, often causing waterborne outbreaks of disease. Detection of (oo)cysts in water matrices is challenging and few countries have legislated water monitoring for their presence. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and origin of these parasites in different water sources in Northern Greece and identify interactions between biotic/abiotic factors in order to develop risk-assessment models. During a 2-year period, using a longitudinal, repeated sampling approach, 12 locations in 4 rivers, irrigation canals, and a water production company, were monitored for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, using standard methods. Furthermore, 254 faecal samples from animals were collected from 15 cattle and 12 sheep farms located near the water sampling points and screened for both parasites, in order to estimate their potential contribution to water contamination. River water samples were frequently contaminated with Cryptosporidium (47.1%) and Giardia (66.2%), with higher contamination rates during winter and spring. During a 5-month period, (oo)cysts were detected in drinking-water (<1/litre). Animals on all farms were infected by both parasites, with 16.7% of calves and 17.2% of lambs excreting Cryptosporidium oocysts and 41.3% of calves and 43.1% of lambs excreting Giardia cysts. The most prevalent species identified in both water and animal samples were C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblage AII. The presence of G. duodenalis assemblage AII in drinking water and C. parvum IIaA15G2R1 in surface water highlights the potential risk of waterborne infection. No correlation was found between (oo)cyst counts and faecal-indicator bacteria. Machine-learning models that can predict contamination intensity with Cryptosporidium (75% accuracy) and Giardia (69% accuracy), combining biological, physicochemical and meteorological factors, were developed. Although these prediction accuracies may be insufficient for public health purposes, they could be useful for augmenting and informing risk-based sampling plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Ligda
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Despoina Kostopoulou
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Antonios Zdragas
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Stijn Casaert
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Ligda P, Claerebout E, Casaert S, Robertson LJ, Sotiraki S. Investigations from Northern Greece on mussels cultivated in areas proximal to wastewaters discharges, as a potential source for human infection with Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Exp Parasitol 2020; 210:107848. [PMID: 32004534 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Marine bivalves are usually cultivated in shallow, estuarine waters where there is a high concentration of nutrients. Many micro-pollutants, including the protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., which also occur in such environments, may be concentrated in shellfish tissues during their feeding process. Shellfish can thus be considered as vehicles for foodborne infections, as they are usually consumed lightly cooked or raw. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the presence of both parasites in Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis that are cultivated in Thermaikos Gulf, North Greece, which is fed by four rivers that are contaminated with both protozoa. Moreover, the occurrence of these protozoa was monitored in treated wastewaters from 3 treatment plants that discharge into the gulf. In order to identify potential sources of contamination and to estimate the risk for human infection, an attempt was made to genotype Giardia and Cryptosporidium in positive samples. Immunofluorescence was used for detection and molecular techniques were used for both detection and genotyping of the parasites. In total, 120 mussel samples, coming from 10 farms, were examined for the presence of both protozoa over the 6-month farming period. None of them were found positive by immunofluorescence microscopy for the presence of parasites. Only in 3 mussel samples, PCR targeting the GP60 gene detected Cryptosporidium spp. DNA, but sequencing was not successful. Thirteen out of 18 monthly samples collected from the 3 wastewater treatment plants, revealed the presence of Giardia duodenalis cysts belonging to sub-assemblage AII, at relatively low counts (up to 11.2 cysts/L). Cryptosporidium oocysts (up to 0.9 oocysts/L) were also detected in 4 out of 8 samples, although sequencing was not successful at any of the target genes. At the studied location and under the sampling conditions described, mussels tested were not found to be harboring Giardia cysts and the presence of Cryptosporidium was found only in few cases (by PCR detection only). Our results suggest that the likelihood that mussels from these locations act as vehicles of human infection for Giardia and Cryptosporidium seems low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Ligda
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Stijn Casaert
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369, Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DEMETER, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Martins FDC, Ladeia WA, Toledo RDS, Garcia JL, Navarro IT, Freire RL. Surveillance of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in sewage from an urban area in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:291-297. [PMID: 31188950 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoan parasites that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Molecular characterization of these pathogens in sewage may provide insight on their occurrence and prevalence in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in raw and treated sewage from Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Samples were collected every two weeks during a year. Samples were concentrated, then DNA was extracted and subjected to a nested PCR targeting the Giardia 18S rRNA gene and the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene. Species of Cryptosporidium were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). All raw sewage and 76% of the treated sewage were positive for Giardia; 84% of raw sewage samples and 8% of treated sewage were positive for Cryptosporidium. C. muris, C. hominis, C. baileyi, C. parvum and C. suis were detected in 100%, 19%, 9%, 9% and 4% of raw sewage, respectively. C. muris was the only species found in treated sewage. Multiple species of Cryptosporidium were present in 19.04% of the raw sewage. Treated sewage water can pose a threat to human health. The speciation of Cryptosporidium revealed the presence of non-common zoonotic species as C. suis and C. muris.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Winni Alves Ladeia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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Zahedi A, Gofton AW, Greay T, Monis P, Oskam C, Ball A, Bath A, Watkinson A, Robertson I, Ryan U. Profiling the diversity of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in wastewater treatment plants in Australia using next generation sequencing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:635-648. [PMID: 30743878 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater recycling is an increasingly popular option in worldwide to reduce pressure on water supplies due to population growth and climate change. Cryptosporidium spp. are among the most common parasites found in wastewater and understanding the prevalence of human-infectious species is essential for accurate quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and cost-effective management of wastewater. The present study conducted next generation sequencing (NGS) to determine the prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium species in 730 raw influent samples from 25 Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across three states: New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA), between 2014 and 2015. All samples were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium at the 18S rRNA (18S) locus using quantitative PCR (qPCR), oocyst numbers were determined directly from the qPCR data using DNA standards calibrated by droplet digital PCR, and positives were characterized using NGS of 18S amplicons. Positives were also screened using C. parvum and C. hominis specific qPCRs. The overall Cryptosporidium prevalence was 11.4% (83/730): 14.3% (3/21) in NSW; 10.8% (51/470) in QLD; and 12.1% (29/239) in WA. A total of 17 Cryptosporidium species and six genotypes were detected by NGS. In NSW, C. hominis and Cryptosporidium rat genotype III were the most prevalent species (9.5% each). In QLD, C. galli, C. muris and C. parvum were the three most prevalent species (7.7%, 5.7%, and 4.5%, respectively), while in WA, C. meleagridis was the most prevalent species (6.3%). The oocyst load/Litre ranged from 70 to 18,055 oocysts/L (overall mean of 3426 oocysts/L: 4746 oocysts/L in NSW; 3578 oocysts/L in QLD; and 3292 oocysts/L in WA). NGS-based profiling demonstrated that Cryptosporidium is prevalent in the raw influent across Australia and revealed a large diversity of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes, which indicates the potential contribution of livestock, wildlife and birds to wastewater contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zahedi
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Alexander W Gofton
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Telleasha Greay
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- Australian Water Quality Centre, South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Charlotte Oskam
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Watkinson
- Seqwater, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia; University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian Robertson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia; China-Australia Joint Research and Training Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
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Hamilton KA, Waso M, Reyneke B, Saeidi N, Levine A, Lalancette C, Besner MC, Khan W, Ahmed W. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Wastewater and Surface Water Environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2018; 47:1006-1023. [PMID: 30272766 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2018.04.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
and spp. are significant contributors to the global waterborne disease burden. Waterways used as sources of drinking water and for recreational activity can become contaminated through the introduction of fecal materials derived from humans and animals. Multiple studies have reported the occurence or concentrations of these pathogens in the environment. However, this information has not been comprehensively reviewed. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for and can be beneficial, but it often relies on the concentrations in environmental sources reported from the literature. A thorough literature review was conducted to develop an inventory of reported and concentrations in wastewater and surface water available in the literature. This information can be used to develop QMRA inputs. and (oo)cyst concentrations in untreated wastewater were up to 60,000 oocysts L and 100,000 cysts L, respectively. The maximum reported concentrations for and in surface water were 8400 oocysts L and 1000 cysts L, respectively. A summary of the factors for interpretation of concentration information including common quantification methods, survival and persistence, biofilm interactions, genotyping, and treatment removal is provided in this review. This information can help in identifying assumptions implicit in various QMRA parameters, thus providing the context and rationale to guide model formulation and application. Additionally, it can provide valuable information for water quality practitioners striving to meet the recreational water quality or treatment criteria. The goal is for the information provided in the current review to aid in developing source water protection and monitoring strategies that will minimize public health risks.
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Cryptosporidium and Giardia safety margin increase in leafy green vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:112-119. [PMID: 29066286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ramo A, Del Cacho E, Sánchez-Acedo C, Quílez J. Occurrence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in urban wastewater treatment plants in north-eastern Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 598:628-638. [PMID: 28454035 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the presence and removal efficiency of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in wastewater treatment plants at the 20 most populated towns in Aragón (north-eastern Spain). Samples of influent and effluent wastewater and dewatered sewage sludge were collected seasonally from 23 plants and processed according to USEPA Method 1623. All samples from raw and treated wastewater tested positive for Giardia, at an average concentration of 3247±2039cysts/l and 50±28cysts/l, respectively. Cryptosporidium was identified in most samples from both raw (85/92) and treated (78/92) wastewaters in a concentration significantly lower than Giardia, at both influent (96±105oocysts/l) and effluent samples (31±70oocysts/l) (P<0.001). The (oo)cyst counts peaked in summer in most plants. The removal efficiency was higher for Giardia (1.06-log to 2.34-log) than Cryptosporidium (0.35-log to 1.8-log). Overall, high removal efficiency values were found for Giardia after secondary treatment based on activated sludge, while tertiary treatment (microfiltration, chlorination and/or ultraviolet irradiation) was needed to achieve the greatest removal or inactivation of Cryptosporidium. Most samples of treated sludge were positive for Giardia (92/92) and Cryptosporidium (45/92), at an average concentration of 20-593cysts/g and 2-44oocyst/g, respectively. The molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were attempted at the SSU rRNA/GP60 and bg/tpi loci, respectively. G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AII was identified in all plants, with a large proportion of samples (15/47) harboring mixed assemblages (AII+B). Nine Cryptosporidium species and six subtypes were identified, with C. parvum IIaA15G2R1 being the most prevalent. The presence of significant numbers of (oo)cysts in samples of final effluents and treated sludge reveals the limited efficacy of conventional treatments in removing (oo)cysts and highlights the potential environmental impact and public health risks associated with disposal and reclamation of wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ramo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Emilio Del Cacho
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Caridad Sánchez-Acedo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Joaquín Quílez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Ryan U, Hijjawi N, Xiao L. Foodborne cryptosporidiosis. Int J Parasitol 2017; 48:1-12. [PMID: 29122606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne illness, the majority of which is caused by enteric infectious agents, costs global economies billions of dollars each year. The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is particularly suited to foodborne transmission and is responsible for >8 million cases of foodborne illness annually. Procedures have been developed for sensitive detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts on fresh produce and molecular diagnostic assays have been widely used in case linkages and infection source tracking, especially during outbreak investigations. The integrated use of advanced diagnostic techniques with conventional epidemiological studies is essential to improve our understanding of the occurrence, source and epidemiology of foodborne cryptosporidiosis. The implementation of food safety management tools such as Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) in industrialised nations and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in developing countries is central for prevention and control and foodborne cryptosporidiosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Nawal Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, PO Box 150459, Zarqa 13115, Jordan
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Zahedi A, Durmic Z, Gofton AW, Kueh S, Austen J, Lawson M, Callahan L, Jardine J, Ryan U. Cryptosporidium homai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiiae) from the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ryan U, Zahedi A, Paparini A. Cryptosporidium in humans and animals-a one health approach to prophylaxis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 38:535-47. [PMID: 27454991 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea in humans worldwide, second only to rotavirus. Due to the wide host range and environmental persistence of this parasite, cryptosporidiosis can be zoonotic and associated with foodborne and waterborne outbreaks. Currently, 31 species are recognized as valid, and of these, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the majority of infections in humans. The immune status of the host, both innate and adaptive immunity, has a major impact on the severity of the disease and its prognosis. Immunocompetent individuals typically experience self-limiting diarrhoea and transient gastroenteritis lasting up to 2 weeks and recover without treatment, suggesting an efficient host antiparasite immune response. Immunocompromised individuals can suffer from intractable diarrhoea, which can be fatal. Effective drug treatments and vaccines are not yet available. As a result of this, the close cooperation and interaction between veterinarians, health physicians, environmental managers and public health operators is essential to properly control this disease. This review focuses on a One Health approach to prophylaxis, including the importance of understanding transmission routes for zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, improved sanitation and better risk management, improved detection, diagnosis and treatment and the prospect of an effective anticryptosporidial vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - A Zahedi
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - A Paparini
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Imre K, Morar A, Ilie MS, Plutzer J, Imre M, Emil T, Herbei MV, Dărăbuș G. Survey of the Occurrence and Human Infective Potential of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in Wastewater and Different Surface Water Sources of Western Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:685-691. [PMID: 28832257 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
From the group of parasitic protozoa, Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common pathogens spread in surface water sources, representing a continuous threat to public health and water authorities. The aim of this survey was to assess the occurrence and human infective potential of these pathogens in treated wastewaters and different surface water sources. A total of 76 western Romanian water bodies in four counties (Arad, Bihor, Caraș-Severin and Timiș) were investigated, including the effluents of wastewater treatment plants (n = 11) and brooks (n = 19), irrigation channels (n = 8), lakes (n = 16), and ponds (n = 22). Water samples were collected through polyester microfiber filtration. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were isolated using immunomagnetic separation, according to the US EPA 1623 method, followed by their identification and counting by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. All samples were screened through PCR-based techniques targeting the gdh gene for Giardia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Cryptosporidium spp., followed by sequencing of the positive results. Cryptosporidium-positive samples were subtyped based on sequence analysis of the GP60 gene. Giardia spp. was found in all tested water types with a cumulative detection rate of 90.1% in wastewaters, 26.3% in brooks, 37.5% in irrigation channels, 31.2% in lakes, and 36.4% in ponds. Except for ponds, all monitored water bodies harbored the Giardia duodenalis AII subassemblage with human infective potential. In addition, the ruminant origin assemblage E was widely distributed, and the domestic/wild canid-specific assemblage D was also recorded in a pond. Three (27.3%) wastewater samples were Cryptosporidium positive, and the identified species was the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum, with IIaA15G2R1 (n = 2) and IIdA18G1 subtypes. The results highlight that this threat to the public health must be brought to the attention of epidemiologists, health officials, and water authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kálmán Imre
- 1 Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Adriana Morar
- 1 Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Marius S Ilie
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Judit Plutzer
- 3 Department of Water Hygiene, National Public Health Center , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mirela Imre
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Tîrziu Emil
- 1 Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Mihai V Herbei
- 4 Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
| | - Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" Timişoara , Romania
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Allende A, Barceló Culleres D, Gironés Llop R, Laval A, Robertson L, da Silva Felício MT, Gervelmeyer A, Ramos Bordajandi L, Liebana E. Request for scientific and technical assistance on proposed EU minimum quality requirements for water reuse in agricultural irrigation and aquifer recharge. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.en-1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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26
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Santos PRD, Daniel LA. Occurrence and removal of Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2017; 38:1245-1254. [PMID: 27573723 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2016.1223175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sewage and sewage sludge have been recognized as potential sources of two important waterborne pathogenic protozoa: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Due to the lack of studies about the occurrence of these pathogens in sewage and sludge in Brazil, an investigation was conducted at various stages of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) aiming to assess the occurrence of Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, their removal by the treatment processes, which are upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and dissolved air flotation process, and also the correlations between protozoa and indicator microorganisms. Significant quantities of cysts were detected in 100% of the analyzed wastewater samples, while oocysts were detected only in 39.0% of all wastewater samples. The overall removal of Giardia spp. cysts from the WWTP was on average 2.03 log, and the UASB reactor was more efficient than flotation. The sludge samples presented high quantities of (oo)cysts, implying the risks of contamination in the case of sludge reuse or inadequate disposal. Giardiasis prevalence was estimated between 2.21% and 6.7% for the population served by the WWTP, while cryptosporidiosis prevalence was much lower. Significant positive correlation was obtained only between cysts and Clostridium spores in anaerobic effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ribeiro Dos Santos
- a Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Engineering School of São Carlos , University of São Paulo , São Carlos - São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Luiz Antonio Daniel
- a Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Engineering School of São Carlos , University of São Paulo , São Carlos - São Paulo , Brazil
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Public health significance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in wildlife: Critical insights into better drinking water management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 5:88-109. [PMID: 28560163 PMCID: PMC5439462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an enteric parasite that is transmitted via the faecal-oral route, water and food. Humans, wildlife and domestic livestock all potentially contribute Cryptosporidium to surface waters. Human encroachment into natural ecosystems has led to an increase in interactions between humans, domestic animals and wildlife populations. Increasing numbers of zoonotic diseases and spill over/back of zoonotic pathogens is a consequence of this anthropogenic disturbance. Drinking water catchments and water reservoir areas have been at the front line of this conflict as they can be easily contaminated by zoonotic waterborne pathogens. Therefore, the epidemiology of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium in free-ranging and captive wildlife is of increasing importance. This review focuses on zoonotic Cryptosporidium species reported in global wildlife populations to date, and highlights their significance for public health and the water industry.
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Kokkinos P, Mandilara G, Nikolaidou A, Velegraki A, Theodoratos P, Kampa D, Blougoura A, Christopoulou A, Smeti E, Kamizoulis G, Vantarakis A, Mavridou A. Performance of three small-scale wastewater treatment plants. A challenge for possible re use. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:17744-17752. [PMID: 26154042 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The study focused on the assessment of the performance of three WWTPs in Greece by the estimation of the microbiological and chemical quality of influent and effluent sewage. Physicochemical parameters were recorded (temperature, pH, COD, BOD, suspended solids, conductivity), and meteorological data were collected (air temperature, rain). Microbiological parameters were analyzed (Escherichia coli, total coliforms, bacteriophages, Salmonella, human adenoviruses, Candida, Pseudallescheria boydii, helminths, parasites Cryptosporidium ssp., and Giardia spp.). Statistically significant correlations among the various aforementioned parameters were investigated, in an attempt to propose appropriate processing performance indicators. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess current joint ministerial decision (JMD) on wastewater reuse, for irrigation purposes; to evaluate its practicability and its potential for public health protection. In the vast majority, outlet samples from all three studied WWTPs were not appropriate for irrigation reuse purposes based on BOD50 and suspended solids limit values, set by the current JMD, for both limited and unrestricted irrigation applications. Reductions for E. coli, total coliforms, and bacteriophages were found to range between 2-3, 1.5-2.5, and 2-4 log10 values, respectively. Salmonella spp. was detected in outlet sewage samples from Patra (PAT), Arachova (ARH), and Livadeia (LEV), at 23% (3/13), 33% (4/12), and 38% (5/13), respectively. Molds were detected at 92.3% (12/13), 100% (13/13), and 91.6% (11/12), respectively, while Candida was found at 85% (11/13), 67% (8/12), and 46% (6/13). A high prevalence of Pseudallescheria boydii, in outlet samples from all studied WWTPs is an important public health issue, which underlines the need for further studies on this emerging fungal pathogen in wastewater reuse applications. Pseudallescheria boydii was found at 85% (11/13), 67% (8/12), and 46% (6/13), respectively. Helminths were found in both inlet and outlet samples, of all studied WWTPs, at 100%. Human adenoviruses, were detected at high percentages in outlet samples at 76.9% (10/13), 92.3% (12/13), 84.6% (11/13), respectively, while no influence of UV irradiation was recorded on the entry and exit loads of human adenoviruses. No influence of meteorological parameters was found on the microbiological and chemical parameters, with the exception of a weak positive correlation between environmental temperature and bacteriophages. A moderate positive correlation was found between BOD and suspended solids, bacteriophages, and total coliforms, bacteriophages and E. coli, and bacteriophages and adenoviruses. A significant positive correlation was found between total coliforms and E. coli, COD and BOD, and suspended solids and COD. No correlations were proved between human pathogens and bacterial indicator parameters. Collectively, our findings underlined the unsuitability of the current JMD on wastewater reuse in Greece, or public health protection. The study is expected to support the development of a public health risk assessment model based on quantitative risk assessment on the use of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kokkinos
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - G Mandilara
- Department of Microbiology, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Ave., Athens, Greece
| | - A Nikolaidou
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Velegraki
- Mycology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P Theodoratos
- Department of Public and Social Health, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - D Kampa
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - A Blougoura
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene, Viotia Regional Division, Region of Central Greece, Livadia, Greece
| | - A Christopoulou
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - G Kamizoulis
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Vantarakis
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
| | - A Mavridou
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece
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