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Fan S, Shen Y, Qian L. Social life of free-living amoebae in aquatic environment- comprehensive insights into interactions of free-living amoebae with neighboring microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1382075. [PMID: 38962117 PMCID: PMC11220160 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1382075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are prevalent in nature and man-made environments, and they can survive in harsh conditions by forming cysts. Studies have discovered that some FLA species are able to show pathogenicity to human health, leading to severe infections of central nervous systems, eyes, etc. with an extremely low rate of recovery. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a surveillance framework for FLA in environmental habitats. While many studies investigated the risks of independent FLA, interactions between FLA and surrounding microorganisms determined microbial communities in ecosystems and further largely influenced public health. Here we systematically discussed the interactions between FLA and different types of microorganisms and corresponding influences on behaviors and health risks of FLA in the environment. Specifically, bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes can interact with FLA and cause either enhanced or inhibited effects on FLA infectivity, along with microorganism community changes. Therefore, considering the co-existence of FLA and other microorganisms in the environment is of great importance for reducing environmental health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Qian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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2
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Lefebvre M, Razakandrainibe R, Schapman D, François A, Genty D, Galas L, Villena I, Favennec L, Costa D. Interactions between free-living amoebae and Cryptosporidium parvum: an experimental study. Parasite 2023; 30:31. [PMID: 37606589 PMCID: PMC10443459 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-Living Amebae (FLA) and Cryptosporidium oocysts occasionally share the same environment. From 2004 to 2016, Cryptosporidium was responsible for 60% of 905 worldwide waterborne outbreaks caused by protozoan parasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate interactions between C. parvum oocysts and two common FLAs (Acanthamoeba castellanii and Vermamoeba vermiformis) in a water environment. Encystment and survival of FLAs were evaluated by microscopy using trypan blue vital coloration. Oocysts were numerated on microscopy. Interactions were studied over time in conditions both unfavorable and favorable to phagocytosis. Potential phagocytosis was directly evaluated by several microscopic approaches and indirectly by numeration of microorganisms and oocyst infectivity evaluation. Occasional phagocytosis of C. parvum by FLAs was documented. However, oocyst concentrations did not decrease significantly, suggesting resistance of oocysts to phagocytosis. A temporary decrease of oocyst infectivity was observed in the presence of A. castellanii. The effect of these interactions on C. parvum infectivity is particularly interesting. The biofilm condition could favor the persistence or even the proliferation of oocysts over time. This study demonstrated interactions between C. parvum and FLAs. Further knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the decrease of oocyst infectivity in the presence of A. castellanii could facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Lefebvre
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
| | - Romy Razakandrainibe
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
- National Reference Center Cryptosporidiosis, microsporidia and other protozoa, University Hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
| | - Damien Schapman
- Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, CNRS, HeRacLeS US 51 UAR 2026, PRIMACEN 76000 Rouen France
| | - Arnaud François
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
- Department of anathomopathology, University Hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
| | - Damien Genty
- Department of anathomopathology, University Hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
| | - Ludovic Galas
- Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, CNRS, HeRacLeS US 51 UAR 2026, PRIMACEN 76000 Rouen France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE 51454 Reims France
| | - Loic Favennec
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
- National Reference Center Cryptosporidiosis, microsporidia and other protozoa, University Hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
| | - Damien Costa
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
- National Reference Center Cryptosporidiosis, microsporidia and other protozoa, University Hospital of Rouen Normandie 76000 Rouen France
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Logan-Jackson AR, Batista MD, Healy W, Ullah T, Whelton AJ, Bartrand TA, Proctor C. A Critical Review on the Factors that Influence Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens: From Building Entry to Fixtures in Residences. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6360-6372. [PMID: 37036108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Residential buildings provide unique conditions for opportunistic premise plumbing pathogen (OPPP) exposure via aerosolized water droplets produced by showerheads, faucets, and tubs. The objective of this review was to critically evaluate the existing literature that assessed the impact of potentially enhancing conditions to OPPP occurrence associated with residential plumbing and to point out knowledge gaps. Comprehensive studies on the topic were found to be lacking. Major knowledge gaps identified include the assessment of OPPP growth in the residential plumbing, from building entry to fixtures, and evaluation of the extent of the impact of typical residential plumbing design (e.g., trunk and branch and manifold), components (e.g., valves and fixtures), water heater types and temperature setting of operation, and common pipe materials (copper, PEX, and PVC/CPVC). In addition, impacts of the current plumbing code requirements on OPPP responses have not been assessed by any study and a lack of guidelines for OPPP risk management in residences was identified. Finally, the research required to expand knowledge on OPPP amplification in residences was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshae' R Logan-Jackson
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Marylia Duarte Batista
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - William Healy
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Tania Ullah
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Andrew J Whelton
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Timothy A Bartrand
- Environmental Science, Policy, and Research Institute, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004, United States
| | - Caitlin Proctor
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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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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5
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Campaña M, Del Hoyo R, Monleón-Getino A, Checa J. Predicting Legionella contamination in cooling towers and evaporative condensers from microbiological and physicochemical parameters. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114117. [PMID: 36708652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114117] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhalation of Legionella-containing aerosols generated by cooling towers (CT) and evaporative condensers (EC) where water risk management is not performed correctly has been linked to a high percentage of community outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease (LD). Likewise, microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of the water in these facilities have been associated with this bacterium. The main aim of this study was to assess the risk of Legionella colonization in CT and EC based on the data for microbiological and physicochemical water quality provided by the Environmental Health Department and Laboratory of the City Council of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona, Spain). METHODS Legionella was analysed in 789 samples collected from 127 CT and EC in 46 companies in Catalonia from 2002 to 2019. A two-step logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the risk of colonization by Legionella in the studied facilities according to the microbiological (aerobic heterotrophic bacteria) and physicochemical (pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, conductivity, total iron and Langelier Index) water parameters. The optimal cut-off points for the water parameters predictive of Legionella contamination were defined as the values on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve where sensitivity and specificity were jointly maximized. RESULTS Legionella was isolated in 8.49% of the 789 analysed samples, 22.39% of which were heavily contaminated (with counts higher than 1.0 × 104 CFU/l). L. pneumophila was isolated in 82.09% of the samples, with 41.82% belonging to serogroup 1. Logistic regression analysis revealed that aerobic heterotrophic bacteria concentrations ≥6.90 × 102 CFU/ml [Odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) = 3.56 (1.39-9.43), p = 0.01], a pH ≥ 8.70 [OR (95% CI) = 3.60 (1.34-10.09), p = 0.01], and water hardness ≥5.72 × 102 mg/l [OR (95% CI) = 6.30 (2.34-18.56), p < 0.001] were each independently associated with a higher risk of CT and EC colonization by Legionella. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows the importance of risk assessment for improving the control measures aimed at preventing or reducing Legionella populations in CT and EC, thus minimizing potential dangers for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Campaña
- BIOST(3). GRBIO. Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics (Section of Statistics), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Del Hoyo
- Environmental Health Department and Laboratory, City Council of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cobalt Building. Cobalt Street, 57-59, 2nd Floor, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Monleón-Getino
- BIOST(3). GRBIO. Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics (Section of Statistics), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Checa
- Environmental Health Department and Laboratory, City Council of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cobalt Building. Cobalt Street, 57-59, 2nd Floor, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Matthey-Doret C, Colp MJ, Escoll P, Thierry A, Moreau P, Curtis B, Sahr T, Sarrasin M, Gray MW, Lang BF, Archibald JM, Buchrieser C, Koszul R. Chromosome-scale assemblies of Acanthamoeba castellanii genomes provide insights into Legionella pneumophila infection-related chromatin reorganization. Genome Res 2022; 32:1698-1710. [PMID: 36109147 PMCID: PMC9528979 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276375.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The unicellular amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, where it preys on bacteria. The organism also hosts bacterial endosymbionts, some of which are parasitic, including human pathogens such as Chlamydia and Legionella spp. Here we report complete, high-quality genome sequences for two extensively studied A. castellanii strains, Neff and C3. Combining long- and short-read data with Hi-C, we generated near chromosome-level assemblies for both strains with 90% of the genome contained in 29 scaffolds for the Neff strain and 31 for the C3 strain. Comparative genomics revealed strain-specific functional enrichment, most notably genes related to signal transduction in the C3 strain and to viral replication in Neff. Furthermore, we characterized the spatial organization of the A. castellanii genome and showed that it is reorganized during infection by Legionella pneumophila Infection-dependent chromatin loops were found to be enriched in genes for signal transduction and phosphorylation processes. In genomic regions where chromatin organization changed during Legionella infection, we found functional enrichment for genes associated with metabolism, organelle assembly, and cytoskeleton organization. Given Legionella infection is known to alter its host's cell cycle, to exploit the host's organelles, and to modulate the host's metabolism in its favor, these changes in chromatin organization may partly be related to mechanisms of host control during Legionella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Matthey-Doret
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3525, Université de Paris, Unité Régulation Spatiale des Génomes, F-75015 Paris, France
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Morgan J Colp
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Pedro Escoll
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires and CNRS UMR 6047, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Agnès Thierry
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3525, Université de Paris, Unité Régulation Spatiale des Génomes, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierrick Moreau
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3525, Université de Paris, Unité Régulation Spatiale des Génomes, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Bruce Curtis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Tobias Sahr
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires and CNRS UMR 6047, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Matt Sarrasin
- Robert Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Michael W Gray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - B Franz Lang
- Robert Cedergren Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - John M Archibald
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Carmen Buchrieser
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires and CNRS UMR 6047, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Romain Koszul
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3525, Université de Paris, Unité Régulation Spatiale des Génomes, F-75015 Paris, France
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7
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Knežević M, Rončević D, Vukić Lušić D, Mihelčić M, Kogoj R, Keše D, Glad M, Cenov A, Ožanič M, Glažar Ivče D, Šantić M. Decreasing Pasteurization Treatment Efficiency against Amoeba-Grown Legionella pneumophila—Recognized Public Health Risk Factor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031099. [PMID: 35162120 PMCID: PMC8834526 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Legionellae are gram-negative bacteria most commonly found in freshwater ecosystems and purpose-built water systems. In humans, the bacterium causes Legionnaires’ disease (LD) or a Pontiac fever. In this study, the different waters (drinking water, pool water, cooling towers) in which Legionella pneumophila has been isolated were studied to assess the possible risk of bacterial spreading in the population. The influence of physical and chemical parameters, and interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii on L. pneumophila, were analyzed by Heterotrophic Plate Count, the Colony-forming units (CFU) methods, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Sequence-Based Typing (SBT) analysis. During the study period (2013–2019), a total of 1932 water samples were analyzed, with the average annual rate of Legionella-positive water samples of 8.9%, showing an increasing trend. The largest proportion of Legionella-positive samples was found in cooling towers and rehabilitation centers (33.9% and 33.3%, respectively). Among the isolates, L. pneumophila SGs 2–14 was the most commonly identified strain (76%). The survival of Legionella was enhanced in the samples with higher pH values, while higher electrical conductivity, nitrate, and free residual chlorine concentration significantly reduced the survival of Legionella. Our results show that growth in amoeba does not affect the allelic profile, phenotype, and morphology of the bacterium but environmental L. pneumophila becomes more resistant to pasteurization treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Knežević
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Dobrica Rončević
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Darija Vukić Lušić
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Advanced Computing and Modeling, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(0)51-358-755
| | - Mirna Mihelčić
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Rok Kogoj
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Darja Keše
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Marin Glad
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Mateja Ožanič
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
| | - Daniela Glažar Ivče
- Branch Office Rab, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Palit 143a, 51280 Rab, Croatia;
| | - Marina Šantić
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (M.Š.)
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8
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Quero S, Párraga-Niño N, Garcia-Núñez M, Pedro-Botet ML, Gavaldà L, Mateu L, Sabrià M, Mòdol JM. The impact of pipeline changes and temperature increase in a hospital historically colonised with Legionella. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1916. [PMID: 33479467 PMCID: PMC7820426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-related Legionnaires’ disease has a devastating impact on high risk patients, with a case fatality rate of 30–50%. Legionella prevention and control in hospitals is therefore crucial. To control Legionella water colonisation in a hospital setting we evaluated the effect of pipeline improvements and temperature increase, analysing 237 samples over a 2-year period (first year: 129, second year: 108). In the first year, 25.58% of samples were positive for Legionella and 16.67% for amoeba. Assessing the distance of the points analysed from the hot water tank, the most distal points presented higher proportion of Legionella colonisation and lower temperatures (nearest points: 6.4% colonised, and temperature 61.4 °C; most distal points: 50% and temperature 59.1 °C). After the first year, the hot water system was repaired and the temperature stabilised. This led to a dramatic reduction in Legionella colonisation, which was negative in all the samples analysed; however, amoeba colonisation remained stable. This study shows the importance of keeping the temperature stable throughout the circuit, at around 60 °C. Special attention should be paid to the most distal points of the circuit; a fall in temperature at these weak points would favour the colonisation and spread of Legionella, because amoeba (the main Legionella reservoir) are not affected by temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Quero
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias I Pujol, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, CIBERES, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí, I3PT, Parc Taulí, 1, 08208, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - N Párraga-Niño
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias I Pujol, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Garcia-Núñez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias I Pujol, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, CIBERES, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí, I3PT, Parc Taulí, 1, 08208, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M L Pedro-Botet
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, CIBERES, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet, s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Gavaldà
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Feixa Llarga, s/n., 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Mateu
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet, s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Sabrià
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, CIBERES, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet, s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Mòdol
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet, s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Assaidi A, Ellouali M, Latrache H, Timinouni M, Zahir H, Karoumi A, Barguigua A, Mliji EM. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Legionella spp. Strains Isolated from Water Systems in Morocco. Microb Drug Resist 2020; 26:991-996. [PMID: 32125920 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2019.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Legionella is a waterborne pathogen that causes a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' diseases, which is normally acquired by inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella originating from natural and man-made water systems. The aim of this study was to describe the level of antimicrobial susceptibility of environmental Legionella spp. strains to preferred and recommended therapeutic agents to treat Legionella disease. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 60 environmental Legionella spp. strains were tested using the broth dilution method. Susceptibility testing was performed for 12 antimicrobial agents: macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin [AZI], and clarithromycin [CLA]), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and gemifloxacin), a ketolide (telithromycin), cefotaxime (CEF), tigecycline (TIG), doxycycline (DOX), and rifampicin (RIF). Results: All tested strains of Legionella spp. were inhibited by low concentrations of fluoroquinolones and macrolides. Regarding the macrolides, CLA was the most active antibiotic, and AZI was the least active. RIF was the most effective antibiotic against the isolates in vitro. All isolates were inhibited by the following antibiotics (in decreasing order of their MICs): DOX>CEF>TIG. Conclusions: No resistance against these drugs was detected, and all isolates were inhibited by low concentrations of the tested antibiotics. Susceptibility testing of environmental Legionella spp. isolates must be monitored often to detect and evaluate the possible development of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelwahid Assaidi
- Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco.,Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene, Food Safety & Environment Department, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mostafa Ellouali
- Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - Hassan Latrache
- Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Timinouni
- Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene, Food Safety & Environment Department, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hafida Zahir
- Laboratory of Bioprocess and Biointerfaces, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Karoumi
- Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene, Food Safety & Environment Department, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abouddihaj Barguigua
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Ressources, Life Sciences Department, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - El Mostafa Mliji
- Laboratory of Water Microbiology and Environmental Hygiene, Food Safety & Environment Department, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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10
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Mapili K, Pieper KJ, Dai D, Pruden A, Edwards MA, Tang M, Rhoads WJ. Legionella pneumophila
occurrence in drinking water supplied by private wells. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 70:232-240. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Mapili
- Virginia Tech, Civil and Environmental Engineering Blacksburg VA USA
| | - K. J. Pieper
- Northeastern University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Snell Engineering Center Boston MA USA
| | - D. Dai
- Virginia Tech, Civil and Environmental Engineering Blacksburg VA USA
| | - A. Pruden
- Virginia Tech, Civil and Environmental Engineering Blacksburg VA USA
| | - M. A. Edwards
- Virginia Tech, Civil and Environmental Engineering Blacksburg VA USA
| | - M. Tang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) at Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati OH USA
| | - W. J. Rhoads
- Virginia Tech, Civil and Environmental Engineering Blacksburg VA USA
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11
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Liu L, Xing X, Hu C, Wang H. One-year survey of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens and free-living amoebae in the tap-water of one northern city of China. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 77:20-31. [PMID: 30573084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, qPCR was used to quantify opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) and free-living amoebae in 11 tap water samples collected over four seasons from a city in northern China. Results demonstrated that the average numbers of gene copies of Legionella spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were significantly higher than those of Aeromonas spp. (p < 0.05). Legionella spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were 100% (44/44) positively detected while P. aeruginosa and Aeromonas spp. were 79.54% (35/44) and 77.27% (34/44) positively detected. Legionella pneumophila was only detected in 4 samples (4/44), demonstrating its occasional occurrence. No Mycobacterium avium or Naegleria fowleri was detected in any of the samples. The average gene copy numbers of target OPPPs were the highest in summer, suggesting seasonal prevalence of OPPPs. Average gene copy numbers of OPPPs in the taps of low-use-frequency were higher than in taps of high-use-frequency, but the difference was not significant for some OPPPs (p > 0.05). Moderate negative correlations between the chlorine concentration and the gene copy numbers of OPPPs were observed by Spearman analysis (rs ranged from -0.311 to -0.710, p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations existed between OPPPs and AOC, BDOC, or turbidity. Moderate positive correlations were observed between the target microorganisms, especially for Acanthamoeba spp., through Spearman analysis (p < 0.05). Based on our studies, it is proposed that disinfectant concentration, season, taps with different-use frequency, OPPP species, and potential microbial correlations should be considered for control of OPPPs in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xueci Xing
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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12
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KİREÇCİ E, DAĞLI S. Kahramanmaraş İlindeki Camilerin Klima ve Şadırvanlarından Legionella Cinsi Bakterilerin İdentifikasyonu. DÜZCE ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI ENSTITÜSÜ DERGISI 2019. [DOI: 10.33631/duzcesbed.492223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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13
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Kyritsi MA, Mouchtouri VA, Katsioulis A, Kostara E, Nakoulas V, Hatzinikou M, Hadjichristodoulou C. Legionella Colonization of Hotel Water Systems in Touristic Places of Greece: Association with System Characteristics and Physicochemical Parameters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2707. [PMID: 30513698 PMCID: PMC6313630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the colonization of hotel water systems in central Greece and Corfu by Legionella, and to investigate the association between physicochemical parameters and Legionella colonization. Standardized hygiene inspection was conducted in 51 hotels, and 556 water samples were analyzed for Legionella spp. Free chlorine concentration, pH, hardness, conductivity, and trace metals were defined in cold water samples. The results of inspections and chemical analyses were associated with the microbiological results using univariate and logistic regression analysis. According to the score of the checklist used for the inspections, 17.6% of the hotels were classified as satisfactory, 15.7% as adequate, and 66.7% as unsatisfactory. Moreover, 74.5% of the hotels were colonized by Legionella spp. and 31.4% required remedial measures according to the European guidelines. Legionella spp. were isolated in 28% of the samples. Unsatisfactory results of inspections were associated with Legionella presence (relative risk (RR) = 7.67, p-value = 0.043). In hot-water systems, <50 °C temperatures increased the risk of Legionella colonization (RR = 5.36, p-value < 0.001). In cold-water systems, free chlorine concentration <0.375 mg/L (odds ratio (OR) = 9.76, p-value = 0.001), pH ≥ 7.45 (OR = 4.05, p-value = 0.007), and hardness ≥321 mgCaCO₃/L (OR = 5.63, p-value = 0.003) increased the risk, whereas copper pipes demonstrated a protective role (OR = 0.29, p-value = 0.0024). The majority of the hotels inspected were colonized with Legionella. Supplementary monitoring of the risk factors that were identified should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Kyritsi
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Varvara A Mouchtouri
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Antonis Katsioulis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
- Regional Public Health Laboratory of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Elina Kostara
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Nakoulas
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Marina Hatzinikou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
- Regional Public Health Laboratory of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
- Regional Public Health Laboratory of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
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14
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Waak MB, LaPara TM, Hallé C, Hozalski RM. Occurrence of Legionella spp. in Water-Main Biofilms from Two Drinking Water Distribution Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:7630-7639. [PMID: 29902377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The maintenance of a chlorine or chloramine residual to suppress waterborne pathogens in drinking water distribution systems is common practice in the United States but less common in Europe. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of Bacteria and Legionella spp. in water-main biofilms and tap water from a chloraminated distribution system in the United States and a system in Norway with no residual using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Despite generally higher temperatures and assimilable organic carbon levels in the chloraminated system, total Bacteria and Legionella spp. were significantly lower in water-main biofilms and tap water of that system ( p < 0.05). Legionella spp. were not detected in the biofilms of the chloraminated system (0 of 35 samples) but were frequently detected in biofilms from the no-residual system (10 of 23 samples; maximum concentration = 7.8 × 104 gene copies cm-2). This investigation suggests water-main biofilms may serve as a source of Legionella for tap water and premise plumbing systems, and residual chloramine may aid in reducing their abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Waak
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering , University of Minnesota , 500 Pillsbury Drive Southeast , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Timothy M LaPara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering , University of Minnesota , 500 Pillsbury Drive Southeast , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
- BioTechnology Institute , University of Minnesota , 1479 Gortner Avenue , Saint Paul , Minnesota 55108 , United States
| | - Cynthia Hallé
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Norwegian University of Science and Technology , S.P. Andersens veg 5 , Trondheim NO-7491 , Norway
| | - Raymond M Hozalski
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering , University of Minnesota , 500 Pillsbury Drive Southeast , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
- BioTechnology Institute , University of Minnesota , 1479 Gortner Avenue , Saint Paul , Minnesota 55108 , United States
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15
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Boamah DK, Zhou G, Ensminger AW, O'Connor TJ. From Many Hosts, One Accidental Pathogen: The Diverse Protozoan Hosts of Legionella. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:477. [PMID: 29250488 PMCID: PMC5714891 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The 1976 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease led to the discovery of the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Given their impact on human health, Legionella species and the mechanisms responsible for their replication within host cells are often studied in alveolar macrophages, the primary human cell type associated with disease. Despite the potential severity of individual cases of disease, Legionella are not spread from person-to-person. Thus, from the pathogen's perspective, interactions with human cells are accidents of time and space—evolutionary dead ends with no impact on Legionella's long-term survival or pathogenic trajectory. To understand Legionella as a pathogen is to understand its interaction with its natural hosts: the polyphyletic protozoa, a group of unicellular eukaryotes with a staggering amount of evolutionary diversity. While much remains to be understood about these enigmatic hosts, we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning Legionella's natural host range, the diversity of Legionella-protozoa interactions, the factors influencing these interactions, the importance of avoiding the generalization of protozoan-bacterial interactions based on a limited number of model hosts and the central role of protozoa to the biology, evolution, and persistence of Legionella in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Boamah
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guangqi Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander W Ensminger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tamara J O'Connor
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Casini B, Baggiani A, Totaro M, Mansi A, Costa AL, Aquino F, Miccoli M, Valentini P, Bruschi F, Lopalco PL, Privitera G. Detection of viable but non-culturable legionella in hospital water network following monochloramine disinfection. J Hosp Infect 2017; 98:46-52. [PMID: 28917570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of legionellosis remains a critical issue in healthcare settings where monochloramine (MC) disinfection was recently introduced as an alternative to chlorine dioxide in controlling Legionella spp. contamination of the hospital water network. Continuous treatments with low MC doses in some instances have induced a viable but non-culturable state (VBNC) of Legionella spp. AIM To investigate the occurrence of such dormant cells during a long period of continuous MC treatment. METHODS Between November 2010 and April 2015, 162 water and biofilm samples were collected and Legionella spp. isolated in accordance with standard procedures. In sampling sites where MC was <1.5mg/L, VBNC cells were investigated by ethidium monoazide bromide (EMA)-real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 'resuscitation' test into Acanthamoeba polyphaga CCAP 1501/18. According to the Health Protection Agency protocol, free-living protozoa were researched in 60 five-litre water samples. FINDINGS In all, 136 out of 156 (87.2%) of the samples taken from sites previously positive for L. pneumophila ST269 were negative by culture, but only 47 (34.5%) negative by qPCR. Although no positive results were obtained by EMA-qPCR, four out of 22 samples associated with MC concentration of 1.3 ± 0.5mg/L showed VBNC legionella resuscitation. The presence of the amoeba A. polyphaga in the hospital water network was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Our study is the first report evidencing the emergence of VNBC legionella during a long period of continuous MC treatment of a hospital water network, highlighting the importance of keeping an appropriate and uninterrupted MC dosage to ensure the control of legionella colonization in hospital water supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - A Baggiani
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Mansi
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Monte Porzio Catone (Roma), Roma, Italy
| | - A L Costa
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Aquino
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Valentini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bruschi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P L Lopalco
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Privitera
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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17
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Bordetella bronchiseptica exploits the complex life cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum as an amplifying transmission vector. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2000420. [PMID: 28403138 PMCID: PMC5389573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2000420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that Bordetella species have a significant life stage outside of the mammalian respiratory tract that has yet to be defined. The Bordetella virulence gene (BvgAS) two-component system, a paradigm for a global virulence regulon, controls the expression of many “virulence factors” expressed in the Bvg positive (Bvg+) phase that are necessary for successful respiratory tract infection. A similarly large set of highly conserved genes are expressed under Bvg negative (Bvg-) phase growth conditions; however, these appear to be primarily expressed outside of the host and are thus hypothesized to be important in an undefined extrahost reservoir. Here, we show that Bvg- phase genes are involved in the ability of Bordetella bronchiseptica to grow and disseminate via the complex life cycle of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Unlike bacteria that serve as an amoeba food source, B. bronchiseptica evades amoeba predation, survives within the amoeba for extended periods of time, incorporates itself into the amoeba sori, and disseminates along with the amoeba. Remarkably, B. bronchiseptica continues to be transferred with the amoeba for months, through multiple life cycles of amoebae grown on the lawns of other bacteria, thus demonstrating a stable relationship that allows B. bronchiseptica to expand and disperse geographically via the D. discoideum life cycle. Furthermore, B. bronchiseptica within the sori can efficiently infect mice, indicating that amoebae may represent an environmental vector within which pathogenic bordetellae expand and disseminate to encounter new mammalian hosts. These data identify amoebae as potential environmental reservoirs as well as amplifying and disseminating vectors for B. bronchiseptica and reveal an important role for the Bvg- phase in these interactions. Bordetella species are infectious bacterial respiratory pathogens of a range of animals, including humans. Bordetellae grow in two phenotypically distinct “phases,” each specifically expressing a large set of genes. The Bvg+ phase is primarily associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI) and has been well studied. The similarly large set of genes specifically expressed in the Bvg- phase is poorly understood but has been proposed to be involved in some undefined environmental niche. Recently, we reported the presence of Bordetella species in many soil and water sources, indicating extensive exposure to predators. Herein, we show that the Bvg- phase mediates B. bronchiseptica interactions with the common soil predator D. discoideum. Surprisingly, the bacterium not only can evade predation but can propagate and disseminate via the complex developmental process of D. discoideum. After multiple passages and over a million-fold expansion in association with D. discoideum, B. bronchiseptica retained the ability to efficiently colonize mice. The conservation of the genes involved in these two distinct phases raises the possibility of potential environmental sources for the frequently unexplained outbreaks of diseases caused by this and other Bordetella species.
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18
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Whiley H. Legionella Risk Management and Control in Potable Water Systems: Argument for the Abolishment of Routine Testing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 14:E12. [PMID: 28029126 PMCID: PMC5295263 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Legionella is an opportunistic pathogen of public health significance. One of the main sources of Legionella is potable water systems. As a consequence of aging populations there is an increasing demographic considered at high risk for Legionellosis and, as such, a review of the guidelines is required. Worldwide, Legionella has been detected from many potable water sources, suggesting it is ubiquitous in this environment. Previous studies have identified the limitations of the current standard method for Legionella detection and the high possibility of it returning both false negative and false positive results. There is also huge variability in Legionella test results for the same water sample when conducted at different laboratories. However, many guidelines still recommend the testing of water systems. This commentary argues for the removal of routine Legionella monitoring from all water distribution guidelines. This procedure is financially consuming and false negatives may result in managers being over-confident with a system or a control mechanism. Instead, the presence of the pathogen should be assumed and focus spent on managing appropriate control measures and protecting high-risk population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Whiley
- Health and the Environment, School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia.
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19
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Legionella and risk management in hospitals—A bibliographic research methodology for people responsible for built environment and facility management. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:890-897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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20
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Muchesa P, Leifels M, Jurzik L, Hoorzook KB, Barnard TG, Bartie C. Coexistence of free-living amoebae and bacteria in selected South African hospital water distribution systems. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:155-165. [PMID: 27730363 PMCID: PMC7088035 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA), such as Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba species isolated from aquatic environments have been implicated in central nervous system, eye and skin human infections. They also allow the survival, growth and transmission of bacteria such as Legionella, Mycobacteria and Vibrio species in water systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the co-occurrence of potentially pathogenic FLA and their associated bacteria in hospital water networks in Johannesburg, South Africa. A total of 178 water (n = 95) and swab (n = 83) samples were collected from two hospital water distribution systems. FLA were isolated using the amoebal enrichment technique and identified using PCR and 18S rDNA sequencing. Amoebae potentially containing intra-amoebal bacteria were lysed and cultured on blood agar plates. Bacterial isolates were characterized using the VITEK®2 compact System. Free-living amoebae were isolated from 77 (43.3 %) of the samples. Using microscopy, PCR and 18S rRNA sequencing, Acanthamoeba spp. (T3 and T20 genotypes), Vermamoeba vermiformis and Naegleria gruberi specie were identified. The Acanthamoeba T3 and T20 genotypes have been implicated in eye and central nervous system infections. The most commonly detected bacterial species were Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Delftia acidovorans, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Comamonas testosteroni. These nosocomial pathogenic bacteria are associated with systematic blood, respiratory tract, the urinary tract, surgical wounds and soft tissues infections. The detection of FLA and their associated opportunistic bacteria in the hospital water systems point out to a potential health risk to immune-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Muchesa
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
| | - M Leifels
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - L Jurzik
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - K B Hoorzook
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - T G Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - C Bartie
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
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21
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Khurana S, Biswal M, Kaur H, Malhotra P, Arora P, Megha K, Taneja N, Sehgal R. Free living amoebae in water sources of critical units in a tertiary care hospital in India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2016; 33:343-8. [PMID: 26068332 DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.158543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolation of free-living amoebae (FLA) is reported sparsely from water taps, ventilators, air conditioners, haemodialysis units and dental irrigation systems of hospitals worldwide. Their prevalence in hospital environment especially in wards having immunocompromised patients may pose a risk to this group of susceptible population as they may cause disease themselves or may carry pathogens inside them. No study from India has performed such surveillance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate extent of FLA contamination in water sources of bone marrow transplant (BMT) intensive care unit (ICU), transplant ICU, haemodialysis unit and high dependency unit in a tertiary care hospital in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of hundred samples including fifty each of tap water samples and swabs from mouth of taps used for drinking, bathing and hand washing purposes in these units were collected according to standard procedure. Samples were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates at room temperature followed by morphological confirmation. Molecular identification including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing was performed in culture positive samples. RESULTS Four tap water samples and ten swab samples showed growth of trophozoites and cyst formation. Morphologically, four amoebae resembled Acanthamoeba spp. which was further confirmed by PCR and sequencing showed them to be of T3 and T4 genotypes. CONCLUSION The presence of these FLA in hospital water sources emphasises the urgent need of implementing effective preventive measures. Further studies are required to estimate the true prevalence of FLA in Indian hospitals by taking larger number of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Blanky M, Rodríguez-Martínez S, Halpern M, Friedler E. Legionella pneumophila: From potable water to treated greywater; quantification and removal during treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 533:557-565. [PMID: 26188406 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Greywater is an alternative water source that can help alleviate stress on depleted water resources. The main options for greywater reuse are toilet flushing and garden irrigation, both producing aerosols. For that reason transmission of inhalable pathogens like Legionella present a potential risk. To improve the understanding about Legionella in greywater, we traced the pathogen seasonally from the potable water system to the final steps of the greywater treatment in four houses in northern Israel. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed in order to assess background greywater quality and to establish possible associations with Legionella. The mean concentrations of Legionella pneumophila isolated from the potable water system were 6.4×10(2) and 5.9×10(3) cfu/l in cold and hot water respectively. By amending the ISO protocol for Legionella isolation from drinking water, we succeeded in quantifying Legionella in greywater. The mean Legionella concentrations that were found in raw, treated and treated chlorinated greywater were 1.2×10(5), 2.4×10(4) and 5.7×10(3) cfu/l respectively. While Legionella counts in potable water presented a seasonal pattern with high concentrations in summer, its counts in greywater presented an almost inversed pattern. Greywater treatment resulted in 95% decrease in Legionella counts. No significant difference was found between Legionella concentrations in potable water and the treated chlorinated greywater. These findings indicate that regarding Legionella, reusing treated chlorinated greywater would exhibit a risk that is very similar to the risk associated with using potable water for the same non-potable uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Blanky
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sara Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Malka Halpern
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Oranim, Tivon, Israel
| | - Eran Friedler
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Rodríguez-Martínez S, Sharaby Y, Pecellín M, Brettar I, Höfle M, Halpern M. Spatial distribution of Legionella pneumophila MLVA-genotypes in a drinking water system. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 77:119-132. [PMID: 25864003 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Legionella cause water-based infections, resulting in severe pneumonia. To improve our knowledge about Legionella spp. ecology, its prevalence and its relationships with environmental factors were studied. Seasonal samples were taken from both water and biofilm at seven sampling points of a small drinking water distribution system in Israel. Representative isolates were obtained from each sample and identified to the species level. Legionella pneumophila was further determined to the serotype and genotype level. High resolution genotyping of L. pneumophila isolates was achieved by Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA). Within the studied water system, Legionella plate counts were higher in summer and highly variable even between adjacent sampling points. Legionella was present in six out of the seven selected sampling points, with counts ranging from 1.0 × 10(1) to 5.8 × 10(3) cfu/l. Water counts were significantly higher in points where Legionella was present in biofilms. The main fraction of the isolated Legionella was L. pneumophila serogroup 1. Serogroup 3 and Legionella sainthelensis were also isolated. Legionella counts were positively correlated with heterotrophic plate counts at 37 °C and negatively correlated with chlorine. Five MLVA-genotypes of L. pneumophila were identified at different buildings of the sampled area. The presence of a specific genotype, "MLVA-genotype 4", consistently co-occurred with high Legionella counts and seemed to "trigger" high Legionella counts in cold water. Our hypothesis is that both the presence of L. pneumophila in biofilm and the presence of specific genotypes, may indicate and/or even lead to high Legionella concentration in water. This observation deserves further studies in a broad range of drinking water systems to assess its potential for general use in drinking water monitoring and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Sharaby
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marina Pecellín
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingrid Brettar
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manfred Höfle
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Malka Halpern
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Oranim, Tivon, Israel.
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Fouque E, Héchard Y, Hartemann P, Humeau P, Trouilhé MC. Sensitivity of Vermamoeba (Hartmannella) vermiformis cysts to conventional disinfectants and protease. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2015; 13:302-310. [PMID: 26042964 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2014.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis is a free-living amoeba (FLA) widely distributed in the environment, known to colonize hot water networks and to be the reservoir of pathogenic bacteria such as Legionella pneumophila. FLA are partly resistant to biocides, especially in their cyst form. The control of V. vermiformis in hot water networks represents an important health issue, but there are very few data on their resistance to disinfection treatments. The sensitivity of cysts of two strains of V. vermiformis to three disinfectants frequently used in hot water networks (chlorine, heat shock, peracetic acid (PAA) mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) was investigated. In vitro, several concentrations of biocides, temperatures and exposure times according to the French regulation were tested. Cysts were fully inactivated by the following conditions: 15 mg/L of chlorine for 10 min; 60 °C for 30 min; and 0.5 g/L equivalent H2O2 of PAA mixed with H2O2 for 30 min. For the first time, the strong efficacy of subtilisin (0.625 U/mL for 24 h), a protease, to inactivate the V. vermiformis cysts has been demonstrated. It suggests that novel approaches may be efficient for disinfection processes. Finally, V. vermifomis cysts were sensitive to all the tested treatments and appeared to be more sensitive than Acanthamoeba cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Fouque
- Scientific and Technical Center for Building, AQUASIM, 11 rue Henri Picherit, BP 82341, 44323 Nantes Cedex 3, France E-mail: ; Université de Poitiers, CNRS UMR 7267, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, BP 633, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Université de Poitiers, CNRS UMR 7267, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, BP 633, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - Philippe Hartemann
- Faculty of Medicine, INSERM INGRES EA 7298, Department of Environment and Public Health, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 184, 59505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Humeau
- Scientific and Technical Center for Building, AQUASIM, 11 rue Henri Picherit, BP 82341, 44323 Nantes Cedex 3, France E-mail:
| | - Marie-Cécile Trouilhé
- Scientific and Technical Center for Building, AQUASIM, 11 rue Henri Picherit, BP 82341, 44323 Nantes Cedex 3, France E-mail:
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Canals O, Serrano-Suárez A, Salvadó H, Méndez J, Cervero-Aragó S, Ruiz de Porras V, Dellundé J, Araujo R. Effect of chlorine and temperature on free-living protozoa in operational man-made water systems (cooling towers and hot sanitary water systems) in Catalonia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:6610-8. [PMID: 25410311 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3839-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, free-living protozoa (FLP) have gained prominence as the focus of research studies due to their pathogenicity to humans and their close relationship with the survival and growth of pathogenic amoeba-resisting bacteria. In the present work, we studied the presence of FLP in operational man-made water systems, i.e. cooling towers (CT) and hot sanitary water systems (HSWS), related to a high risk of Legionella spp. outbreaks, as well as the effect of the biocides used, i.e. chlorine in CT and high temperature in HSWS, on FLP. In CT samples, high-chlorine concentrations (7.5 ± 1.5 mg chlorine L(-1)) reduced the presence of FLP by 63.8 % compared to samples with low-chlorine concentrations (0.04 ± 0.08 mg chlorine L(-1)). Flagellates and amoebae were observed in samples collected with a level of 8 mg chlorine L(-1), which would indicate that some FLP, including the free-living amoeba (FLA) Acanthamoeba spp., are resistant to the discontinuous chlorine disinfection method used in the CT studied. Regarding HSWS samples, the amount of FLP detected in high-temperatures samples (53.1 ± 5.7 °C) was 38 % lower than in low-temperature samples (27.8 ± 5.8 °C). The effect of high temperature on FLP was chiefly observed in the results obtained by the culture method, in which there was a clear reduction in the presence of FLP at temperatures higher than 50 °C, but not in those obtained by PCR. The findings presented here show that the presence of FLP in operational man-made water systems should be taken into account in future regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Canals
- Laboratory of Protistology, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Chang TY, Hsu TK, Tzeng KJ, Huang YL. Seasonal variation of Legionella in Taiwan's reservoir and its relationships with environmental factors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:6104-6111. [PMID: 25391236 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the presence of Legionella in major water reservoirs of Taiwan was examined with respect to seasonal variation, geographical variation, and water quality parameters using TaqMan real-time qPCR. Water samples were collected quarterly at 19 reservoirs in Taiwan between November 2012 and August 2013. The detection rate for Legionella was 35.5% (27/76), and Legionella was detected in all seasons. The Legionella concentration was relatively high in spring and summer, reaching 3.86 × 10(8) and 7.35 × 10(8) cells/L, respectively. By sampling the area, Legionella was detected at a higher proportion in reservoirs in the northern and southern areas, and the difference was consistent in all seasons. Significant association was found between detection of Legionella and various water quality parameters, including conductivity, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). Results of Spearman rank test showed negative correlation for Legionella detection with pH (P = 0.030, R = -0.497) and dissolved oxygen (P = 0.007, R = -0.596) in fall and positive correlation with Carlson's trophic state index (P = 0.049, R = 0.457) in spring. The identified species included Legionella pneumophila and Legionella drancourtii. The detection of Legionella in reservoirs was indicative of a potential public health risk and should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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27
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Omiccioli E, Schiavano GF, Ceppetelli V, Amagliani G, Magnani M, Brandi G. Validation according to ISO/TS 12869:2012 of a molecular method for the isolation and quantification of Legionella spp. in water. Mol Cell Probes 2015; 29:86-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Cateau E, Delafont V, Hechard Y, Rodier M. Free-living amoebae: what part do they play in healthcare-associated infections? J Hosp Infect 2014; 87:131-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Adeyankinnu FA, Motayo BO, Akinduti A, Akinbo J, Ogiogwa JI, Aboderin BW, Agunlejika RA. A Multicenter Study of Beta-Lactamase Resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Reveals High Level Chromosome Mediated Extended Spectrum β Lactamase Resistance in Ogun State, Nigeria. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2014; 2014:819896. [PMID: 24790598 PMCID: PMC3982411 DOI: 10.1155/2014/819896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the ever increasing problem of multiresistant bacteria, we instituted a surveillance program with the aim of identifying the basic molecular properties of ESBL in our environment. About 197 isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were selected and tested for ESBL production and antimicrobial susceptibility. Plasmid profiles were determined and curing ability was tested. ESBL prevalence was 26.4% for all isolates tested, with E. coli having a greater proportion. There was absolute resistance to ampicilin, tetracycline, and co-trimaxole among tested isolates. There was above average susceptibility to the 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins. Plasmid profiles of tested isolates ranged from 9 kbp to 26 kbp with average of 14.99 ± 2.3 kbp for E. coli and 20.98 ± 1.8 kbp K. pneumoniae, 9.6% of ESBL positive E. coli plasmids were cured, while 3.9% of K. pneumoniae plasmids were cured after treatment. The present study shows an upsurge in ESBL acquisition by gram negative bacteria and evidence of cocirculation of varying subtypes of ESBL with both plasmid transmissible and chromosome encoded subtypes. This calls for universal surveillance and more effort towards molecular epidemiology of this public health treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Babatunde O. Motayo
- Microbiology Unit, Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Akinniyi Akinduti
- Department of Vet Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - John Akinbo
- Microbiology Unit, Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Joseph I. Ogiogwa
- Microbiology Unit, Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Bukola W. Aboderin
- Microbiology Unit, Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - R. A. Agunlejika
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Wang S, Huang J, Yang Y, Hui Y, Ge Y, Larssen T, Yu G, Deng S, Wang B, Harman C. First report of a Chinese PFOS alternative overlooked for 30 years: its toxicity, persistence, and presence in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:10117-28. [PMID: 23952109 DOI: 10.1021/es402455r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This is the first report on the environmental occurrence of a chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (locally called F-53B, C8ClF16O4SK). It has been widely applied as a mist suppressant by the chrome plating industry in China for decades but has evaded the attention of environmental research and regulation. In this study, F-53B was found in high concentrations (43-78 and 65-112 μg/L for the effluent and influent, respectively) in wastewater from the chrome plating industry in the city of Wenzhou, China. F-53B was not successfully removed by the wastewater treatments in place. Consequently, it was detected in surface water that receives the treated wastewater at similar levels to PFOS (ca. 10-50 ng/L) and the concentration decreased with the increasing distance from the wastewater discharge point along the river. Initial data presented here suggest that F-53B is moderately toxic (Zebrafish LC50-96 h 15.5 mg/L) and is as resistant to degradation as PFOS. While current usage is limited to the chrome plating industry, the increasing demand for PFOS alternatives in other sectors may result in expanded usage. Collectively, the results of this work call for future assessments on the effects of this overlooked contaminant and its presence and fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), School of Environment, POPs Research Centre, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, P.R. China
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Kao PM, Tung MC, Hsu BM, Chiu YC, She CY, Shen SM, Huang YL, Huang WC. Identification and quantitative detection of Legionella spp. in various aquatic environments by real-time PCR assay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:6128-6137. [PMID: 23536272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR was developed to quantify and detect the Legionella spp. in various environmental water samples. The water samples were taken from watershed, water treatment plant, and thermal spring area in Taiwan. Legionella was detected in 13.6 % (24/176), and the detection rate for river water, raw drinking water, and thermal spring water was 10, 21.4, and 16.6 %, respectively. Using real-time PCR, concentration of Legionella spp. in detected samples ranged between 9.75 × 10(4) and 3.47 × 10(5) cells/L in river water, 6.92 × 10(4) and 4.29 × 10(5) cells/L in raw drinking water, and 5.71 × 10(4) and 2.12 × 10(6) cells/L for thermal spring water samples. The identified species included Legionella pneumophila (20.8 %), Legionella jordanis (4.2 %), Legionella nautarum (4.2 %), Legionella sp. (4.2 %), and uncultured Legionella sp. (66.6 %). The presence of L. pneumophila in aquatic environments suggested a potential public health threat that must be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Serrano-Suárez A, Dellundé J, Salvadó H, Cervero-Aragó S, Méndez J, Canals O, Blanco S, Arcas A, Araujo R. Microbial and physicochemical parameters associated with Legionella contamination in hot water recirculation systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:5534-44. [PMID: 23436060 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Hot water recirculation systems (HWRS) in hotels and nursing homes, which are common in countries such as Spain, have been related to outbreaks of legionellosis. To establish the relationships of microbial and physicochemical parameters, especially protozoa, with the occurrence of Legionella in HWRS, 231 samples from hotels and nursing homes were analysed for Legionella, protozoa, heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) at 22 and 37 °C, Pseudomonas, metals, temperature and others. Legionella pneumophila was the dominant species isolated, and 22 % were sg. 1. The sampling method became particularly important in order to define which factors were involved on the occurrence of Legionella. Results showed that the bacteria and the accompanying microbiota were more abundant in the first flush water whose temperature was lower. The bacteria occurred in those samples with high HPC and were inversely correlated with high temperatures. Multivariate regression showed that a concentration above 1 × 10(5) CFU/100 mL of HPC at 37 °C, Fe above 0.095 ppm and the presence of protozoa increased significantly the risk of Legionella colonization, while univariant regression showed that the presence of Cu above 0.76 ppm and temperature above 55 °C diminished it. Therefore, to reduce the risk associated with Legionella occurrence in HWRS these parameters should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Serrano-Suárez
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Molecular survey of the occurrence of Legionella spp., Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and amoeba hosts in two chloraminated drinking water distribution systems. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:6285-94. [PMID: 22752174 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01492-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of opportunistic pathogens via public water systems is of growing concern. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of occurrence among three opportunistic pathogens (Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) relative to biotic and abiotic factors in two representative chloraminated drinking water distribution systems using culture-independent methods. Generally, a high occurrence of Legionella (≥69.0%) and mycobacteria (100%), lower occurrence of L. pneumophila (≤20%) and M. avium (≤33.3%), and rare detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (≤13.3%) were observed in both systems according to quantitative PCR. Also, Hartmanella vermiformis was more prevalent than Acanthamoeba, both of which are known hosts for opportunistic pathogen amplification, the latter itself containing pathogenic members. Three-minute flushing served to distinguish distribution system water from plumbing in buildings (i.e., premise plumbing water) and resulted in reduced numbers of copies of Legionella, mycobacteria, H. vermiformis, and 16S rRNA genes (P < 0.05) while yielding distinct terminal restriction fragment polymorphism (T-RFLP) profiles of 16S rRNA genes. Within certain subgroups of samples, some positive correlations, including correlations of numbers of mycobacteria and total bacteria (16S rRNA genes), H. vermiformis and total bacteria, mycobacteria and H. vermiformis, and Legionella and H. vermiformis, were noted, emphasizing potential microbial ecological relationships. Overall, the results provide insight into factors that may aid in controlling opportunistic pathogen proliferation in real-world water systems.
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Légionelles et légionellose : qu’a-t-on découvert depuis 30 ans ? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 59:134-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2009.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Huang L, Boyd D, Amyot WM, Hempstead AD, Luo ZQ, O'Connor TJ, Chen C, Machner M, Montminy T, Isberg RR. The E Block motif is associated with Legionella pneumophila translocated substrates. Cell Microbiol 2010; 13:227-45. [PMID: 20880356 PMCID: PMC3096851 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila promotes intracellular growth by moving bacterial proteins across membranes via the Icm/Dot system. A strategy was devised to identify large numbers of Icm/Dot translocated proteins, and the resulting pool was used to identify common motifs that operate as recognition signals. The 3' end of the sidC gene, which encodes a known translocated substrate, was replaced with DNA encoding 200 codons from the 3' end of 442 potential substrate-encoding genes. The resulting hybrid proteins were then tested in a high throughput assay, in which translocated SidC antigen was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Among translocated substrates, regions of 6-8 residues called E Blocks were identified that were rich in glutamates. Analysis of SidM/DrrA revealed that loss of three Glu residues, arrayed in a triangle on an α-helical surface, totally eliminated translocation of a reporter protein. Based on this result, a second strategy was employed to identify Icm/Dot substrates having carboxyl terminal glutamates. From the fusion assay and the bioinformatic queries, carboxyl terminal sequences from 49 previously unidentified proteins were shown to promote translocation into target cells. These studies indicate that by analysing subsets of translocated substrates, patterns can be found that allow predictions of important motifs recognized by Icm/Dot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Pécastaings S, Bergé M, Dubourg KM, Roques C. Sessile Legionella pneumophila is able to grow on surfaces and generate structured monospecies biofilms. BIOFOULING 2010; 26:809-819. [PMID: 20835931 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2010.520159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Currently, models for studying Legionella pneumophila biofilm formation rely on multi-species biofilms with low reproducibility or on growth in rich medium, where planktonic growth is unavoidable. The present study describes a new medium adapted to the growth of L. pneumophila monospecies biofilms in vitro. A microplate model was used to test several media. After incubation for 6 days in a specific biofilm broth not supporting planktonic growth, biofilms consisted of 5.36 ± 0.40 log (cfu cm(-2)) or 5.34 ± 0.33 log (gu cm(-2)). The adhered population remained stable for up to 3 weeks after initial inoculation. In situ confocal microscope observations revealed a typical biofilm structure, comprising cell clusters ranging up to approximately 300 μm in height. This model is adapted to growing monospecies L. pneumophila biofilms that are structurally different from biofilms formed in a rich medium. High reproducibility and the absence of other microbial species make this model useful for studying genes involved in biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pécastaings
- LU 49, Adhesion bacterienne et formation de biofilms, UPS, Universite de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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Thomas V, McDonnell G, Denyer SP, Maillard JY. Free-living amoebae and their intracellular pathogenic microorganisms: risks for water quality. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2010; 34:231-59. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2009.00190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Ferretti E, Balocco F, Carraro E. Evaluation of Legionella pneumophila contamination in Italian hotel water systems by quantitative real-time PCR and culture methods. J Appl Microbiol 2009; 108:1576-83. [PMID: 19796090 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04553.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study was designed to define the extent of water contamination by Legionella pneumophila of certain Italian hotels and to compare quantitative real-time PCR with the conventional culture method. METHODS AND RESULTS Nineteen Italian hotels of different sizes were investigated. In each hotel three hot water samples (boiler, room showers, recycling) and one cold water sample (inlet) were collected. Physico-chemical parameters were also analysed. Legionella pneumophila was detected in 42% and 74% of the hotels investigated by the culture method and by real-time PCR, respectively. In 21% of samples analysed by the culture method, a concentration of >10(4) CFU l(-1) was found, and Leg. pneumophila serogroup 1 was isolated from 10.5% of the hotels. The presence of Leg. pneumophila was significantly influenced by water sample temperature, while no association with water hardness or residual-free chlorine was found. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a high percentage of buildings colonized by Leg. pneumophila. Moreover, real-time PCR proved to be sensitive enough to detect lower levels of contamination than the culture method. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study indicates that the Italian hotels represent a possible source of risk for Legionnaires' disease and confirms the sensitivity of the molecular method. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate Legionella contamination in Italian hotels using real-time PCR and culture methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Bonetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Vita, University of Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Alessandria, Italy
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Determination of Legionella pneumophila susceptibility to Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (tea tree) oil by an improved broth micro-dilution method under vapour controlled conditions. J Microbiol Methods 2009; 77:243-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2009.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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