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Kim T, Zhao X, Hozalski RM, LaPara TM. Residual disinfectant effectively suppresses Legionella species in drinking water distribution systems supplied by surface water in Minnesota, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173317. [PMID: 38788954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173317] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Seven public water systems in Minnesota, USA were analyzed from one to five times over a two-year period to assess temporal changes in the concentrations of total bacteria, Legionella spp., and Legionella pneumophila from source (i.e., raw water) through the water treatment process to the end water user. Bacterial biomass was collected by filtering large volumes of raw water (12 to 425 L, median: 38 L) or finished and tap water (27 to 1205 L, median: 448 L) using ultrafiltration membrane modules. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was then used to enumerate all bacteria (16S rRNA gene fragments), all Legionella spp. (ssrA), and Legionella pneumophila (mip). Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and L. pneumophila also were quantified in the water samples via cultivation. Median concentrations of total bacteria and Legionella spp. (ssrA) in raw water (8.5 and 4.3 log copies/L, respectively) decreased by about 2 log units during water treatment. The concentration of Legionella spp. (ssrA) in water collected from distribution systems inversely correlated with the total chlorine concentration for chloraminated systems significantly (p = 0.03). Although only 8 samples were collected from drinking water distribution systems using free chlorine as a residual disinfectant, these samples had significantly lower concentrations of Legionella spp. (ssrA) than samples collected from the chloraminated systems (p = 5 × 10-4). There was considerable incongruity between the results obtained via cultivation-independent (qPCR) and cultivation-dependent assays. Numerous samples were positive for L. pneumophila via cultivation, none of which tested positive for L. pneumophilia (mip) via qPCR. Conversely, a single sample tested positive for L. pneumophilia (mip) via qPCR, but this sample tested negative for L. pneumophilia via cultivation. Overall, the results suggest that conventional treatment is effective at reducing, but not eliminating, Legionella spp. from surface water supplies and that residual disinfection is effective at suppressing these organisms within drinking water distribution systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taegyu Kim
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Raymond M Hozalski
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN, USA; Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Timothy M LaPara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN, USA; Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, USA.
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2
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Coniglio MA, Yassin MH. Clinical and Environmental Surveillance for the Prevention of Legionellosis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:939. [PMID: 38792769 PMCID: PMC11123962 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Legionella is a Gram-negative bacterium whose natural hosts are aquatic protozoa, in which the microorganism replicates and is protected from adverse environmental conditions [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Coniglio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mohamed H. Yassin
- Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention Department, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and Public Health Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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3
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Wang T. Improved random forest classification model combined with C5.0 algorithm for vegetation feature analysis in non-agricultural environments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10367. [PMID: 38710709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to the challenges posed by the high computational complexity and suboptimal classification performance of traditional random forest algorithms when dealing with high-dimensional and noisy non-agricultural vegetation satellite data, this paper proposes an enhanced random forest algorithm based on the C5.0 algorithm. The paper focuses on the Liaohe Plain, selecting two distinct non-agricultural landscape patterns in Shenbei New District and Changtu County as research objects. High-resolution satellite data from GF-2 serves as the experimental dataset. This paper introduces an ensemble feature method based on the bagging concept to improve the original random forest classification model. This method enhances the likelihood of selecting features beneficial to classifying positive class samples, avoiding excessive removal of useful features from negative samples. This approach ensures feature importance and model diversity. The C5.0 algorithm is then employed for feature selection, and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) is utilized for vegetation coverage estimation. Results indicate that employing a multi-scale parameter selection tool, combined with limited field-measured data, facilitates the identification and classification of plant species in forest landscapes. The C5.0 algorithm effectively selects classification features, minimizing information redundancy. The established object-oriented random forest classification model achieves an impressive accuracy of 94.02% on the aerial imagery for forest classification dataset, with EVI-based vegetation coverage estimation demonstrating high accuracy. In experiments on the same test set, the proposed algorithm attains an average accuracy of 90.20%, outperforming common model algorithms such as bidirectional encoder representation from transformer, FastText, and convolutional neural network, which achieve average accuracies ranging from 84.41 to 88.33% in identifying non-agricultural artificial habitat vegetation features. The proposed algorithm exhibits a competitive edge compared to other algorithms. These research findings contribute scientific evidence for protecting agricultural ecosystems and restoring agricultural ecosystem biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- College of Architecture, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing City, 211800, China.
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4
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Pijnacker R, Brandsema P, Euser S, Vahidnia A, Kuiter A, Limaheluw J, Schout C, Haj Mohammad G, Raven S. An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease linked to a municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant, The Netherlands, September-October 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300506. [PMID: 38757288 PMCID: PMC11100293 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.20.2300506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly identified as Legionnaires' disease (LD) sources. An outbreak investigation was initiated following five LD cases reported in September 2022 in Houten, the Netherlands. Case identification was based on the European LD case definition, with symptom onset from 1 September 2022, residence in or within 5 km of Houten, or visit to Houten within the incubation period, without other likely sources. We sampled potential sources and genotyped environmental and clinical isolates. We identified 15 LD cases with onset between 13 September and 23 October 2022. A spatial source identification and wind direction model suggested an industrial (iWWTP) and a municipal WWTP (mWWTP) as potential sources, with the first discharging water into the latter. Both tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 and 6 with multiple sequence types (ST). We detected L. pneumophila sg1 ST42 in the mWWTP, matching with one of three available clinical isolates. Following control measures at the WWTPs, no further cases were observed. This outbreak underlines that municipal and industrial WWTPs can play an important role in community LD cases and outbreaks, especially those with favourable conditions for Legionella growth and dissemination, or even non-favourable conditions for growth but with the influx of contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roan Pijnacker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service region Utrecht (GGD), Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Petra Brandsema
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Euser
- Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Vahidnia
- Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - Arnold Kuiter
- Environmental Services Regarding Authorization and Enforcement (RUD Utrecht), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jesse Limaheluw
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Schout
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service region Utrecht (GGD), Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Gaaled Haj Mohammad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service region Utrecht (GGD), Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Stijn Raven
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service region Utrecht (GGD), Zeist, the Netherlands
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5
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Abkar L, Moghaddam HS, Fowler SJ. Microbial ecology of drinking water from source to tap. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168077. [PMID: 37914126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
As drinking water travels from its source, through various treatment processes, hundreds to thousands of kilometres of distribution network pipes, to the taps in private homes and public buildings, it is exposed to numerous environmental changes, as well as other microbes living in both water and on surfaces. This review aims to identify the key locations and factors that are associated with changes in the drinking water microbiome throughout conventional urban drinking water systems from the source to the tap water. Over the past 15 years, improvements in cultivation-independent methods have enabled studies that allow us to answer such questions. As a result, we are beginning to move towards predicting the impacts of disturbances and interventions resulting ultimately in management of drinking water systems and microbial communities rather than mere observation. Many challenges still exist to achieve effective management, particularly within the premise plumbing environment, which exhibits diverse and inconsistent conditions that may lead to alterations in the microbiota, potentially presenting public health risks. Finally, we recommend the establishment of global collaborative projects on the drinking water microbiome that will enhance our current knowledge and lead to tools for operators and researchers alike to improve global access to high-quality drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Abkar
- Civil Engineering Department, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | - S Jane Fowler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada.
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Gea-Izquierdo E, Gil-Prieto R, Hernández-Barrera V, Rodríguez-Caravaca G, Gil-de-Miguel Á. Legionellosis-Associated Hospitalization in Spain from 2002 to 2021. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1693. [PMID: 37512866 PMCID: PMC10385138 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionellosis is a respiratory disease of bacterial and environmental origin that usually presents two distinct clinical entities, "Legionnaires' disease" (LD) and "Pontiac fever". LD is an important cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of legionellosis-associated hospitalization (L-AH) in Spain from 2002 to 2021 and the burden of hospitalization due to legionellosis. Discharge reports from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) were used to retrospectively analyze hospital discharge data with a diagnosis of legionellosis, based on the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, from 2002 to 2021. 21,300 L-AH occurred throughout the year during 2002-2021. The incidence of hospitalization associated per 100,000 inhabitants by month showed a similar trend for the 2002-2011, 2012-2021, and 2002-2021 periods. In Spain, during 2002-2021, the hospitalization rate (HR) in the autonomous communities ranged from 4.57 (2002-2011) to 0.24 (2012-2021) cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The HR of legionellosis in Spain has substantially increased across the 2002-2021 period, and the estimate is consistent with available European data. It is considered that in-depth epidemiological surveillance studies of legionellosis and improvements in the prevention and control of the disease are required in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gea-Izquierdo
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- María Zambrano Program, European Union, Spain
| | - Ruth Gil-Prieto
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gil Rodríguez-Caravaca
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil-de-Miguel
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Nisar MA, Ros KE, Brown MH, Bentham R, Best G, Xi J, Hinds J, Whiley H. Stagnation arising through intermittent usage is associated with increased viable but non culturable Legionella and amoeba hosts in a hospital water system. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1190631. [PMID: 37351181 PMCID: PMC10282743 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1190631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hospital water systems are a significant source of Legionella, resulting in the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease. One of the biggest challenges for Legionella management within these systems is that under unfavorable conditions Legionella transforms itself into a viable but non culturable (VBNC) state that cannot be detected using the standard methods. This study used a novel method (flow cytometry-cell sorting and qPCR [VFC+qPCR] assay) concurrently with the standard detection methods to examine the effect of temporary water stagnation, on Legionella spp. and microbial communities present in a hospital water system. Water samples were also analyzed for amoebae using culture and Vermamoeba vermiformis and Acanthamoeba specific qPCR. The water temperature, number and duration of water flow events for the hand basins and showers sampled was measured using the Enware Smart Flow® monitoring system. qPCR analysis demonstrated that 21.8% samples were positive for Legionella spp., 21% for L. pneumophila, 40.9% for V. vermiformis and 4.2% for Acanthamoeba. All samples that were Legionella spp. positive using qPCR (22%) were also positive for VBNC Legionella spp.; however, only 2.5% of samples were positive for culturable Legionella spp. 18.1% of the samples were positive for free-living amoebae (FLA) using culture. All samples positive for Legionella spp. were also positive for FLA. Samples with a high heterotrophic plate count (HPC ≥ 5 × 103 CFU/L) were also significantly associated with high concentrations of Legionella spp. DNA, VBNC Legionella spp./L. pneumophila (p < 0.01) and V. vermiformis (p < 0.05). Temporary water stagnation arising through intermittent usage (< 2 hours of usage per month) significantly (p < 0.01) increased the amount of Legionella spp. DNA, VBNC Legionella spp./L. pneumophila, and V. vermiformis; however, it did not significantly impact the HPC load. In contrast to stagnation, no relationship was observed between the microbes and water temperature. In conclusion, Legionella spp. (DNA and VBNC) was associated with V. vermiformis, heterotrophic bacteria, and stagnation occurring through intermittent usage. This is the first study to monitor VBNC Legionella spp. within a hospital water system. The high percentage of false negative Legionella spp. results provided by the culture method supports the use of either qPCR or VFC+qPCR to monitor Legionella spp. contamination within hospital water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atif Nisar
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Kirstin E. Ros
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Melissa H. Brown
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Richard Bentham
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Giles Best
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - James Xi
- Enware Australia Pty Ltd., Caringbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Hinds
- Enware Australia Pty Ltd., Caringbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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8
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Frostadottir D, Wasserstrom L, Lundén K, Dahlin LB. Legionella longbeachae wound infection: case report and review of reported Legionella wound infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178130. [PMID: 37180442 PMCID: PMC10169826 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrapulmonary manifestations of infection with Legionella species, of which 24 may cause disease in humans, are very rare. Here, we describe a case of a 61-year-old woman with no history of immunosuppression presenting with pain and swelling of her index finger after a prick by rose thorns during gardening. Clinical examination showed fusiform swelling of the finger with mild redness, warmth, and fever. The blood sample revealed a normal white blood cell count and a slight increase in C-reactive protein. Intraoperative observation showed extensive infectious destruction of the tendon sheath, while the flexor tendons were spared. Conventional cultures were negative, while 16S rRNA PCR analysis identified Legionella longbeachae that also could be isolated on buffered charcoal yeast extract media. The patient was treated with oral levofloxacin for 13 days, and the infection healed quickly. The present case report, with a review of the literature, indicates that Legionella species wound infections may be underdiagnosed due to the requirement for specific media and diagnostic methods. It emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of these infections during history taking and clinical examination of patients presenting with cutaneous infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drifa Frostadottir
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wasserstrom
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine Skåne, Lund, Sweden
- ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karolin Lundén
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Gea-Izquierdo E, Gil-de-Miguel Á, Rodríguez-Caravaca G. Legionella pneumophila Risk from Air–Water Cooling Units Regarding Pipe Material and Type of Water. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030638. [PMID: 36985212 PMCID: PMC10053303 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionellosis is a respiratory disease related to environmental health. There have been manifold studies of pipe materials, risk installations and legionellosis without considering the type of transferred water. The objective of this study was to determine the potential development of the causative agent Legionella pneumophila regarding air–water cooling units, legislative compliance, pipe material and type of water. Forty-four hotel units in Andalusia (Spain) were analysed with respect to compliance with Spanish health legislation for the prevention of legionellosis. The chi-square test was used to explain the relationship between material–water and legislative compliance, and a biplot of the first two factors was generated. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed on the type of equipment, legislative compliance, pipe material and type of water, and graphs of cases were constructed by adding confidence ellipses by categories of the variables. Pipe material–type of water (p value = 0.29; p < 0.05) and legislative compliance were not associated (p value = 0.15; p < 0.05). Iron, stainless steel, and recycled and well water contributed the most to the biplot. MCA showed a global pattern in which lead, iron and polyethylene were well represented. Confidence ellipses around categories indicated significant differences among categories. Compliance with Spanish health legislation regarding the prevention and control of legionellosis linked to pipe material and type of water was not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gea-Izquierdo
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Maria Zambrano Program, European Union, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Ángel Gil-de-Miguel
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gil Rodríguez-Caravaca
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Capuano R, Mansi A, Paba E, Marcelloni AM, Chiominto A, Proietto AR, Gordiani A, Catini A, Paolesse R, Tranfo G, Di Natale C. A Pilot Study for Legionella pneumophila Volatilome Characterization Using a Gas Sensor Array and GC/MS Techniques. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1401. [PMID: 36772440 PMCID: PMC9920052 DOI: 10.3390/s23031401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Legionellosis is a generic term describing the pneumonic (Legionnaires' disease, LD) and non-pneumonic (Pontiac fever, PF) forms of infection with bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. Currently, the techniques used to detect Legionella spp. in water samples have certain limitations and drawbacks, and thus, there is a need to identify new tools to carry out low-cost and rapid analysis. In this regard, several studies demonstrated that a volatolomics approach rapidly detects and discriminates different species of microorganisms via their volatile signature. In this paper, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pattern emitted in vitro by Legionella pneumophila cultures is characterized and compared to those produced by other Legionella species and by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a gas sensor array and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Bacterial cultures were measured at the 3rd and 7th day after the incubation. Sensor array data analyzed via the K-nearest neighbours (k-NN) algorithm showed a sensitivity to Legionella pneumophila identification at around 89%. On the other hand, GC-MS identified a bouquet of VOCs, mainly alcohols and ketones, that enable the differentiation of Legionella pneumophila in respect to other waterborne microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Capuano
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Volatilomics ‘A. D’Amico’, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mansi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Paba
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Marcelloni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Chiominto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Proietto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gordiani
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandro Catini
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Volatilomics ‘A. D’Amico’, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paolesse
- Interdepartmental Centre for Volatilomics ‘A. D’Amico’, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tranfo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Di Natale
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Volatilomics ‘A. D’Amico’, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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