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da Silva TCB, Chaúque BJM, Benitez GB, Rott MB. Global prevalence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in sewage and sewage-related environments-systematic review with meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:148. [PMID: 38433138 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in sewage-related environments still needs to be systematically documented. This study summarizes the occurrence of FLA in sewage-related environments through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 1983 scientific article were retrieved from different databases, of which 35 were selected and analyzed using a random effects forest plot model with a 95% confidence interval (IC). The pooled overall prevalence of FLA in sewage across 12 countries was 68.96% (95% IC = 58.5-79.42). Subgroup analysis indicates high prevalence in all environments analyzed, including sewage water from the sewage treatment plant (81.19%), treated sewage water (75.57%), sewage-contaminated water (67.70%), sediment contaminated by sewage (48.91%), and sewage water (47.84%). Prevalence values of Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp., and Naegleria spp. are 47.48%, 28.24%, and 16.69%, respectively. Analyzing the species level, the distribution is as follows: Acanthamoeba palestinensis (88%), A. castellanii (23.74%), A. astronyxis (19.18%), A. polyphaga (13.59%), A. culbertsoni (12.5%), A. stevensoni (8.33%), A. tubiashi (4.35%) and A. hatchetti (1.1%), Naegleria fowleri (28.4%), N. gruberi (25%), N. clarki (8.33%), N. australiensis (4.89%) and N. italica (4.29%), Hartmannella/Vermamoeba exundans (40%) and H.V. vermiform (32.61%). Overall, our findings indicate a high risk associated with sewage-related environments, as the prevalence of FLA, including pathogenic strains, is high, even in treated sewage water. The findings of this study may be valuable both for risk remediation actions against amoebic infections and for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Guilherme Brittes Benitez
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Polytechnic School, Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
- Laboratory 520, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, N 2600, Brazil.
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Matsuo T, Nose M. A simple method for culturing Acanthamoeba from soft contact lens at a clinical laboratory of a hospital: Case report of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e8248. [PMID: 38028087 PMCID: PMC10661332 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message A simple culturing method for Acanthamoeba available at a clinical laboratory is a key for making timely diagnosis and starting treatment with topical 0.02% chlorhexidine gluconate eye drops, together with 0.1% miconazole or fluconazole eye drops. Abstract A 19-year-old woman with pain and injection in the right eye showed spotty corneal infiltration and radiating linear opacity. Suspicious of Acanthamoeba keratitis, corneal scraping, and the soft contact lens were sent to in-house clinical laboratory to culture successfully Acanthamoeba on Sabouraud dextrose agar plate painted with heat-treated dead bacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Matsuo
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health SystemsOkayama UniversityOkayama CityJapan
- Department of OphthalmologyOkayama University HospitalOkayama CityJapan
| | - Motoko Nose
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryOkayama University HospitalOkayama CityJapan
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Borella da Silva TC, Dos Santos DL, Rott MB. First report of free-living amoebae in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1611-1624. [PMID: 37902214 PMCID: wh_2023_261 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are amphizoic protozoans with a cosmopolitan distribution. Some strains of species are associated with infections in humans. They feed on microorganisms by phagocytosis; however, some of these can become endocytobionts by resisting this process and taking shelter inside the amoeba. The whole world is experiencing increasing shortage of water, and sewage is being reused, so the study of this environment is important in public health context. The objective of this work was to identify FLA present in sewage treatment plants in Porto Alegre, Brazil. About 1 L samples were collected from eight stations (raw and treated sewage) in January, February, July, and August 2022. The samples were sown in monoxenic culture, and the isolated amoebae were subjected to morphological and molecular identification. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of the genus Acanthamoeba in 100% of the samples. Gene sequencing showed the presence of Acanthamoeba lenticulata and Acanthamoeba polyphaga - T5 and T4 genotypes - respectively, which are related to pathogenicity. The environment where the sewage is released can be used in recreational activities, exposing individuals to potential interactions with these amoebae and their potential endocytobionts, which may pose risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Daniel Leal Dos Santos
- Faculty of Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue, N 6681, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Lin C, Li LJ, Ren K, Zhou SYD, Isabwe A, Yang LY, Neilson R, Yang XR, Cytryn E, Zhu YG. Phagotrophic protists preserve antibiotic-resistant opportunistic human pathogens in the vegetable phyllosphere. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:94. [PMID: 37660098 PMCID: PMC10475086 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Food safety of leafy greens is an emerging public health issue as they can harbor opportunistic human pathogens (OHPs) and expose OHPs to consumers. Protists are an integral part of phyllosphere microbial ecosystems. However, our understanding of protist-pathogen associations in the phyllosphere and their consequences on public health remains poor. Here, we examined phyllosphere protists, human pathogen marker genes (HPMGs), and protist endosymbionts from four species of leafy greens from major supermarkets in Xiamen, China. Our results showed that Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the dominant human pathogens in the vegetable phyllosphere. The distribution of HPMGs and protistan communities differed between vegetable species, of which Chinese chive possessed the most diverse protists and highest abundance of HPMGs. HPMGs abundance positively correlated with the diversity and relative abundance of phagotrophic protists. Whole genome sequencing further uncovered that most isolated phyllosphere protists harbored multiple OHPs which carried antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and metal resistance genes and had the potential to HGT. Colpoda were identified as key phagotrophic protists which positively linked to OHPs and carried diverse resistance and virulence potential endosymbiont OHPs including Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. We highlight that phyllosphere protists contribute to the transmission of resistant OHPs through internalization and thus pose risks to the food safety of leafy greens and human health. Our study provides insights into the protist-OHP interactions in the phyllosphere, which will help in food safety surveillance and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Shu-Yi-Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xingke Road 723, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Alain Isabwe
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Le-Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Roy Neilson
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
| | - Xiao-Ru Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Eddie Cytryn
- Department of Soil Chemistry, Plant Nutrition and Microbiology, Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Volcani Institute, Agriculture Research Organization, 7528809, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085, Beijing, China.
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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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Tsai CM, Chen CH, Cheng WH, Stelma FF, Li SC, Lin WC. Homeostasis of cellular amino acids in Acanthamoeba castellanii exposed to different media under amoeba-bacteria coculture conditions. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:198. [PMID: 37495951 PMCID: PMC10373360 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02942-6] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protist that feeds on diverse bacteria. A. castellanii has frequently been utilized in studies on microbial interactions. Grazing bacteria also exhibit diverse effects on the physiological characteristics of amoebae, such as their growth, encystation, and cytotoxicity. Since the composition of amoebae amino acids is closely related to cellular activities, it can indicate the overall responses of A. castellanii to various stimuli. METHOD A. castellanii was exposed to different culture conditions in low-nutrient medium with heat-killed DH5α to clarify their effects. A targeted metabolomic technique was utilized to evaluate the concentration of cellular amino acids. The amino acid composition and pathways were analyzed by two web-based tools: MetaboAnalyst and Pathview. Then, long-term exposure to A. castellanii was investigated through in silico and in vitro methods to elucidate the homeostasis of amino acids and the growth of A. castellanii. RESULTS Under short-term exposure, all kinds of amino acids were enriched in all exposed groups. In contrast to the presence of heat-killed bacteria, the medium exhibited obvious effects on the amino acid composition of A. castellanii. After long-term exposure, the amino acid composition was more similar to that of the control group. A. castellanii may achieve amino acid homeostasis through pathways related to alanine, aspartate, citrulline, and serine. DISCUSSION Under short-term exposure, compared to the presence of bacteria, the type of medium exerted a more powerful effect on the amino acid composition of the amoeba. Previous studies focused on the interaction of the amoeba and bacteria with effective secretion systems and effectors. This may have caused the effects of low-nutrient environments to be overlooked. CONCLUSION When A. castellanii was stimulated in the coculture system through various methods, such as the presence of bacteria and a low-nutrient environment, it accumulated intracellular amino acids within a short period. However, different stimulations correspond to different amino acid compositions. After long-term exposure, A. castellanii achieved an amino acid equilibrium by downregulating the biosynthesis of several amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsien Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Foekje F. Stelma
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sung-Chou Li
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Wang Z, Huang W, Mai Y, Tian Y, Wu B, Wang C, Yan Q, He Z, Shu L. Environmental stress promotes the persistence of facultative bacterial symbionts in amoebae. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9899. [PMID: 36937064 PMCID: PMC10019945 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebae are one major group of protists that are widely found in natural and engineered environments. They are a significant threat to human health not only because many of them are pathogenic but also due to their unique role as an environmental shelter for pathogens. However, one unsolved issue in the amoeba-bacteria relationship is why so many bacteria live within amoeba hosts while they can also live independently in the environments. By using a facultative amoeba- Paraburkholderia bacteria system, this study shows that facultative bacteria have higher survival rates within amoebae under various environmental stressors. In addition, bacteria survive longer within the amoeba spore than in free living. This study demonstrates that environmental stress can promote the persistence of facultative bacterial symbionts in amoebae. Furthermore, environmental stress may potentially select and produce more amoeba-resisting bacteria, which may increase the biosafety risk related to amoebae and their intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yingwen Mai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuehui Tian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Cheng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qingyun Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhili He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Longfei Shu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, State Key Laboratory for BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Chauviat A, Meyer T, Favre-Bonté S. Versatility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Ecological roles of RND efflux pumps. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14639. [PMID: 37089375 PMCID: PMC10113797 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
S. maltophilia is a widely distributed bacterium found in natural, anthropized and clinical environments. The genome of this opportunistic pathogen of environmental origin includes a large number of genes encoding RND efflux pumps independently of the clinical or environmental origin of the strains. These pumps have been historically associated with the uptake of antibiotics and clinically relevant molecules because they confer resistance to many antibiotics. However, considering the environmental origin of S. maltophilia, the ecological role of these pumps needs to be clarified. RND efflux systems are highly conserved within bacteria and encountered both in pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. Moreover, their evolutionary origin, conservation and multiple copies in bacterial genomes suggest a primordial role in cellular functions and environmental adaptation. This review is aimed at elucidating the ecological role of S. maltophilia RND efflux pumps in the environmental context and providing an exhaustive description of the environmental niches of S. maltophilia. By looking at the substrates and functions of the pumps, we propose different involvements and roles according to the adaptation of the bacterium to various niches. We highlight that i°) regulatory mechanisms and inducer molecules help to understand the conditions leading to their expression, and ii°) association and functional redundancy of RND pumps and other efflux systems demonstrate their complex role within S. maltophilia cells. These observations emphasize that RND efflux pumps play a role in the versatility of S. maltophilia.
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Li LJ, Lin C, Huang XR, An XL, Li WJ, Su JQ, Zhu YG. Characterizing potential pathogens from intracellular bacterial community of protists in wastewater treatment plants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107723. [PMID: 36584423 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Protists are a trophically diverse and biogeochemically significant component of water environments and are widely reported as hosts of bacteria. However, the potential role of protists in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as reservoirs for human pathogens does not appear to have received adequate attention. Here, a combination of fluorescence-activated cell sorting and Illumina sequencing was applied to characterize the dynamics of the internalized bacterial community of the enriched protists from the influents and effluents of five WWTPs. The results showed that Proteobacteria (mainly Betaproteobacteria) dominate the intracellular bacterial communities of protists in both influents and effluents of WWTPs, accounting for 72.6% of the total intracellular bacterial communities. The most frequently detected genus was Sulfuricurvum in the influent samples, Chryseobacterium and Pseudomonas were most prevalent in the effluent samples. Compared with the influents, a more diverse and abundant intracellular bacterial community was observed in the effluents. Moreover, the potential intracellular bacterial pathogens were 26 times higher in effluents than in influents, with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida significantly enriched in effluents. This work provides insights into the dynamics of bacterial communities and potential pathogens harbored by protists in the influents and effluents from WWTPs, contributing to the improved evaluation of biosafety in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenshuo Lin
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin-Rong Huang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin-Li An
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Wen-Jing Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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10
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Milanez GD, Masangkay FR, Martin I GL, Hapan MFZ, Manahan EP, Castillo J, Karanis P. Epidemiology of free-living amoebae in the Philippines: a review and update. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 116:331-340. [PMID: 35112656 PMCID: PMC9387320 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2035626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are considered environmental pathogens and thus pose a public health threat. Their ubiquity in natural sources may magnify the potential severity of health outcomes in the future. However, less attention was given despite several probable public health risks that arise from the presence of pathogenic strains in the environment. Here, we provide epidemiological data based on investigations involving the distribution and occurrence of free-living amoebae in the Republic of the Philippines. This aims to connect data of fragmented studies of these organisms and provide potential roadmaps in FLA research in the country. The majority of the reviewed articles (n = 19) focused on characterization studies (36.8%; 7/19) while environmental isolation and isolation from biological samples had an equal frequency of 31.6% (6/19) each. There is a great disparity between the established ubiquity in environmental sources and the number of cases of FLA infections in the country. FLA-related research in the Philippines is still in its inceptive stage with several gaps to fill, which can be used to formulate policy briefs in the future regarding its isolation, identification, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and control of FLA infections in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni D. Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,CONTACTGiovanni D. Milanez Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila1015, Philippines
| | - Frederick R. Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gregorio L. Martin I
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ma. Frieda Z Hapan
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Edilberto P. Manahan
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,Department of Basic and Clinical Science, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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11
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Prevalence of free-living amoebae in swimming pools and recreational waters, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3033-3050. [PMID: 36040629 PMCID: PMC9424809 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57–50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977–2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010–2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33–62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87–45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48–55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
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12
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Zhang L, Graham N, Li G, Yu W. Divergent accumulation of membrane biofouling by slight elevation of nitrogen and phosphorus in drinking water treatment: Performances and mechanisms. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 222:118898. [PMID: 35908480 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Membrane biofouling has been intensively investigated over many years; however, little attention has been paid to the role of slightly elevated nutrients in the fouling formation, especially during drinking water treatment. In this study, we evaluated the respective contribution of slightly elevated nitrogen (ca. 0.5 mg·L-1) and phosphorus (ca. 0.1 mg·L-1) concentrations to membrane biofouling formation and deciphered the associated mechanisms. The results demonstrated that the slight concentration elevation of nitrogen did not substantially decrease the permeate flux, but approximately 50% of the permeate flux was reduced by the elevated phosphorus. The fouling layer was thickened about 4-fold due to the slight elevation of phosphorus and this resulted in the best removal performance of fluorescent organics. In contrast, the fouling layer structure was not markedly changed by the elevated nitrogen. The concentrations of proteins and polysaccharides in the fouling layers increased to different degrees, with phosphorus playing a more pronounced role than nitrogen. The molecular experiments revealed that the filamentous Arthronema dominated the nitrogen-enriched fouling layer, but they decreased to nearly zero in the phosphorus-enriched fouling layer, and the Xanthobacter, which was capable of secreting large amounts of EPS, was enhanced. The growth of algae Chlorellales was stimulated by the elevated nitrogen, while Sphaeropleales was dominant with elevated phosphorus, and for protozoa, Vannella was increased by nitrogen, whereas members of Hartmannella were enhanced by phosphorus. Our findings indicate that the impact of slight increases in concentration of nutrients, especially phosphorus, should be taken into account in drinking water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Nigel Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Guibai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Wenzheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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13
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Liu L, Wang D, Li X, Adetula AA, Khan A, Zhang B, Liu H, Yu Y, Chu Q. Long-lasting effects of lipopolysaccharide on the reproduction and splenic transcriptome of hens and their offspring. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 237:113527. [PMID: 35453024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is ubiquitous in the environment and is released after the death of gram-negative bacteria, which may be related to inflammation and immunosuppression. However, its impact on the reproduction of animals and their offspring, especially the underlying mechanism need further elucidation. Here, we used laying hens as a model organism to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to LPS (LPS maternal stimulation) on animal and their offspring's immunity and reproductive performance, as well as the regulatory role of the transcriptome. We found that the LPS maternal stimulation could reduce the egg-laying rate of hens and their offspring, especially during the early and late laying stages. The transcriptome study of the spleen in F0, F1 and F2 generations showed that the maternal stimulation of the LPS affects the patterns of gene expression in laying hens, and this change has a long-lasting effect. Further analysis of DEGs and their enrichment pathways found that the LPS maternal stimulation mainly affects the reproduction and immunity of laying hens and their offspring. The DEGs such as AVD, HPS5, CATHL2, S100A12, EXFABP, RSFR, LY86, PKD4, XCL1, FOS, TREM2 and MST1 may play an essential role in the regulation of the immunity and egg-laying rate of hens. Furthermore, the MMR1L3, C3, F13A1, LY86 and GDPD2 genes with heritable effects are highly correlated with the egg-laying rate, may have an important reference value for further research. Our study reveals the profound implications of LPS exposure on immunity and reproduction of offspring, elaborating the impact of immune alteration on the egg-laying rate, emphasizing the regulatory role of intergenerational transmission of the transcriptome, implying that the environment parents being exposed to has an important impact on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Di Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xingzheng Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Adeyinka Abiola Adetula
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Huagui Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qin Chu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100094, China.
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14
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Hong T, Liu X, Zhou Q, Liu Y, Guo J, Zhou W, Tan S, Cai Z. What the Microscale Systems "See" In Biological Assemblies: Cells and Viruses? Anal Chem 2021; 94:59-74. [PMID: 34812604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Xing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Yilian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Jing Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Songwen Tan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.,Jiangsu Dawning Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changzhou, Jiangsu 213100, China
| | - Zhiqiang Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.,Jiangsu Dawning Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changzhou, Jiangsu 213100, China
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15
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Logan-Jackson A, Rose JB. Cooccurrence of Five Pathogenic Legionella spp. and Two Free-Living Amoebae Species in a Complete Drinking Water System and Cooling Towers. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111407. [PMID: 34832563 PMCID: PMC8619718 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Legionella species grow optimally inside free-living amoebae to concentrations that increase risks to those who are exposed. The aim of this study was to screen a complete drinking water system and cooling towers for the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri and their cooccurrence with Legionella pneumophila, Legionella anisa, Legionella micdadei, Legionella bozemanii, and Legionella longbeachae. A total of 42 large-volume water samples, including 12 from the reservoir (water source), 24 from two buildings (influents to the buildings and exposure sites (taps)), and six cooling towers were collected and analyzed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). N. fowleri cooccurred with L. micdadei in 76 (32/42) of the water samples. In the building water system, the concentrations of N. fowleri and L. micdadei ranged from 1.5 to 1.6 Log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL, but the concentrations of species increased in the cooling towers. The data obtained in this study illustrate the ecology of pathogenic Legionella species in taps and cooling towers. Investigating Legionella’s ecology in drinking and industrial waters will hopefully lead to better control of these pathogenic species in drinking water supply systems and cooling towers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshae Logan-Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Joan B. Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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16
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Chaúque BJM, Rott MB. Solar disinfection (SODIS) technologies as alternative for large-scale public drinking water supply: Advances and challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130754. [PMID: 34029967 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal waterborne diseases, continue to stand out among the most lethal diseases in developing countries, because of consuming contaminated water taken from unsafe sources. Advances made in recent decades in methods of solar water disinfection (SODIS) have shown that SODIS is an effective and inexpensive method of providing drinking water, capable of substantially reducing the prevalence and mortality of waterborne diseases. The increased impact of SODIS in communities lacking drinking water services depends on a successful upgrade from conventional SODIS (based on PET bottle reactors) in high flow continuous flow systems for solar water disinfection (CFSSWD). This review aimed to identify the main limitations of conventional SODIS that hinder its application as a large-scale drinking water supply strategy, and to propose ways to overcome these limitations (without making it economically inaccessible) based on the current frontier of advances technological. It was found that the successful development of the CFSSWD depends on overcoming the current limitations of conventional SODIS and the development of systems whose configurations allow combining the properties of solar pasteurization (SOPAS) and SODIS. Different improvements need to be made to the main components of the CFSSWD, such as increasing the performance of solar radiation collectors, photo and thermal reactors and heat exchangers. The integration of disinfection technologies based on photocatalytic and photothermal nanomaterials also needs to be achieved. The performance evaluation of the CFSSWD should be made considering resistant microorganisms, such as the environmental resistance structures of bacteria or protozoa (spores or (oo)cysts) as targets of disinfection approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil; Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Mozambique.
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
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17
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The role of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilm communities: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2717-2729. [PMID: 34292376 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in healthy contact lens wearers. Amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed in nature, living either freely or as parasites, and are frequently associated with biofilms throughout the environment. These biofilms provide the parasite with protection against external aggression, thus favoring its increased pathogeny. This review aims to assess observational studies on the association between Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms, opening potential lines of research on this severe ocular infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020 in the following databases: PubMed Central®/Medline, LILACS, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE®. The studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifically defined for this review. Electronic research recovered 353 publications in the literature. However, none of the studies met the inclusion criterion of biofilm-producing Acanthamoeba spp., inferring that the parasite does not produce biofilms. Nonetheless, 78 studies were classified as potentially included regarding any association of Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms. These studies were allocated across six different locations (hospital, aquatic, ophthalmic and dental environments, biofilms produced by bacteria, and other places). Acanthamoeba species use biofilms produced by other microorganisms for their benefit, in addition to them providing protection to and facilitating the dissemination of pathogens residing in them.
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18
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Jin C, Zhao L, Zhao W, Wang L, Zhu S, Xiao Z, Mo Y, Zhang M, Shu L, Qiu R. Transport and Retention of Free-Living Amoeba Spores in Porous Media: Effects of Operational Parameters and Extracellular Polymeric Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8709-8720. [PMID: 34138552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Amoebas are protists that are widespread in water and soil environments. Some species are pathogenic, inducing potentially lethal effects on humans, making them a major threat to public health. Nonpathogenic amoebas are also of concern because they have the potential to carry a mini-microbiome of bacteria, either transiently or via more long-term stable transport. Due to their resistance to disinfection processes, the physical removal of amoeba by filtration is necessary to prevent their propagation throughout drinking water distribution networks and occurrence in tap water. In this study, a model amoeba species Dictyostelium discoideum was used to study the transport and retention behavior of amoeba spores in porous media. The key factors affecting the transport behavior of amoeba spores in fully saturated media were comprehensively evaluated, with experiments performed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and parallel plate chamber system. The effects of ionic strength (IS) on the deposition of spores were found to be in contrast to the predicted Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory that more deposition is observed under lower-IS conditions. The presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was found to be the main contributor to deposition behavior. Overall, these results provide plausible evidence for the presence of amoeba in tap water. Furthermore, this is one of the first studies to examine the mechanisms affecting the fate of amoeba spores in porous media, providing a significant baseline for future research to minimize the safety risk presented by amoeba in drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Lingan Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Weigao Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Luting Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shishu Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zihan Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yijun Mo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Miaoyue Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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19
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Effectors of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Type IV Secretion System Mediate Killing of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mBio 2021; 12:e0150221. [PMID: 34182776 PMCID: PMC8262851 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01502-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we documented that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia encodes a type IV secretion system (T4SS) that allows the organism to kill, in contact-dependent fashion, heterologous bacteria, including wild-type Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioinformatic screens based largely on the presence of both a C-terminal consensus sequence and an adjacent gene encoding a cognate immunity protein identified 13 potential antibacterial effectors, most of which were highly conserved among sequenced strains of S. maltophilia. The immunity proteins of two of these proved especially capable of protecting P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli against attack from the Stenotrophomonas T4SS. In turn, S. maltophilia mutants lacking the putative effectors RS14245 and RS14255 were impaired for killing not only laboratory E. coli but clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, including ones isolated from the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. That complemented mutants behaved as wild type did confirmed that RS14245 and RS14255 are required for the bactericidal activity of the S. maltophilia T4SS. Moreover, a mutant lacking both of these proteins was as impaired as a mutant lacking the T4SS apparatus, indicating that RS14245 and RS14255 account for (nearly) all of the bactericidal effects seen. Utilizing an interbacterial protein translocation assay, we determined that RS14245 and RS14255 are bona fide substrates of the T4SS, a result confirmed by examination of mutants lacking both the T4SS and the individual effectors. Delivery of the cloned 14245 protein (alone) into the periplasm resulted in the killing of target bacteria, indicating that this effector, a putative lipase, is both necessary and sufficient for bactericidal activity.
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20
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Pereira A, Silva AR, Melo LF. Legionella and Biofilms-Integrated Surveillance to Bridge Science and Real-Field Demands. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061212. [PMID: 34205095 PMCID: PMC8228026 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella is responsible for the life-threatening pneumonia commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease or legionellosis. Legionellosis is known to be preventable if proper measures are put into practice. Despite the efforts to improve preventive approaches, Legionella control remains one of the most challenging issues in the water treatment industry. Legionellosis incidence is on the rise and is expected to keep increasing as global challenges become a reality. This puts great emphasis on prevention, which must be grounded in strengthened Legionella management practices. Herein, an overview of field-based studies (the system as a test rig) is provided to unravel the common roots of research and the main contributions to Legionella’s understanding. The perpetuation of a water-focused monitoring approach and the importance of protozoa and biofilms will then be discussed as bottom-line questions for reliable Legionella real-field surveillance. Finally, an integrated monitoring model is proposed to study and control Legionella in water systems by combining discrete and continuous information about water and biofilm. Although the successful implementation of such a model requires a broader discussion across the scientific community and practitioners, this might be a starting point to build more consistent Legionella management strategies that can effectively mitigate legionellosis risks by reinforcing a pro-active Legionella prevention philosophy.
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Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen of significant concern to susceptible patient populations. This pathogen can cause nosocomial and community-acquired respiratory and bloodstream infections and various other infections in humans. Sources include water, plant rhizospheres, animals, and foods. Studies of the genetic heterogeneity of S. maltophilia strains have identified several new genogroups and suggested adaptation of this pathogen to its habitats. The mechanisms used by S. maltophilia during pathogenesis continue to be uncovered and explored. S. maltophilia virulence factors include use of motility, biofilm formation, iron acquisition mechanisms, outer membrane components, protein secretion systems, extracellular enzymes, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. S. maltophilia is intrinsically drug resistant to an array of different antibiotics and uses a broad arsenal to protect itself against antimicrobials. Surveillance studies have recorded increases in drug resistance for S. maltophilia, prompting new strategies to be developed against this opportunist. The interactions of this environmental bacterium with other microorganisms are being elucidated. S. maltophilia and its products have applications in biotechnology, including agriculture, biocontrol, and bioremediation.
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22
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Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Khan NA. The Increasing Importance of Vermamoeba vermiformis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 68:e12857. [PMID: 33987951 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis are one of the most prevalent free-living amoebae. These amoebae are ubiquitous and also thermotolerant. Of concern, V. vermiformis have been found in hospital water networks. Furthermore, associations between V. vermiformis and pathogenic bacteria have been reported, such as Legionella pneumophila. Moreover, V. vermiformis are well known to host viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms and cases of keratitis due to V. vermiformis in conjunction with other amoebae have been reported. Despite the preceding, the medical importance of V. vermiformis is still an ongoing discussion and its genome has been only recently sequenced. Herein, we present a review of the current understanding of the biology and pathogenesis pertaining to V. vermiformis, as well as its' role as an etiological agent and trojan horse. An approach known as theranostics which combines both diagnosis and therapy could be utilized to eradicate and diagnose keratitis cases caused by such amoebae. Given the rise in global warming, it is imperative to investigate these rarely studied amoebae and to understand their importance in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.,Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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23
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Chaúque BJM, Benetti AD, Corção G, Silva CE, Gonçalves RF, Rott MB. A new continuous-flow solar water disinfection system inactivating cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii, and bacteria. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:123-137. [DOI: 10.1007/s43630-020-00008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Reyes-Batlle M, Díaz FJ, Sifaoui I, Rodríguez-Expósito R, Rizo-Liendo A, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. Free living amoebae isolation in irrigation waters and soils of an insular arid agroecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:141833. [PMID: 33207478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of freshwater in agricultural systems represents a high percentage of total water consumption worldwide. Therefore, alternative sources of water for irrigation will need to be developed, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, in order to meet the growing demand for food in the future. The use of recycled wastewater (RWW), brackish water (BW) or desalinated brackish water (DBW) are among the different non-conventional water resources proposed. However, it is necessary to evaluate the health risks for humans and animals associated with the microbiological load of these waters. Protozoa such as free-living amoebae (FLA) are considered an emerging group of opportunistic pathogens capable to cause several diseases in humans (e.g. cutaneous and ocular infections, lung, bone or adrenal gland conditions or fatal encephalitis). In the present study we evaluate FLA presence in three different irrigation water qualities (RWW, BW and DBW) and its survival in irrigated agricultural soils of an extremely arid insular ecosystem (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain). Samples were cultured on 2% Non-Nutrient Agar (NNA) plates covered with a thin layer of heat killed E. coli and checked daily for the presence of FLA. According to the prevalence of FLA, Vermamoeba vermiformis (53,8%), Acanthamoeba spp. (30,8%), Vahlkampfia avara (7,7%) and Naegleria australiensis (7,7%) were detected in the analysed water samples, while Acanthamoeba (83,3%), Cercozoa spp. (8,3%) and Vahlkampfia orchilla (8,3%) were isolated in irrigated soils. Only Acanthamoeba strains were isolated in no irrigated soils used as control, evidencing the capability of these protozoa to resist environmental harsh conditions. Additionally, all analysed water sources and the irrigated soils presented growth of several pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the coexistence in water and soils of pathogenic bacteria and FLA, can mean an increased risk of infection in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain.
| | - Francisco J Díaz
- Department of Animal Biology, Soil Science and Geology, University of La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Rubén Rodríguez-Expósito
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo-Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain / Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología. Universidad De La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, 38203 Islas Canarias, Spain; Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Spain
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Peña-Fernández A, Anjum U, Wadoum REG, Koroma S, Berghs M. Competing ethics in a pilot strategy to implement parasitology training and research in post-Ebola Sierra Leone. Int Health 2020; 12:509-514. [PMID: 33165547 PMCID: PMC7650977 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of the focus of public health research post-Ebola in Sierra Leone has been on rebuilding the healthcare system. However, very little attention has focused on capacity building in knowledge necessary for (bio)medical research, specifically around emerging opportunistic human pathogens that contribute to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Sierra Leone. In collaboration with academic staff from the University of Makeni, we engaged in a small-scale pilot intervention to strengthen medical parasitology teaching and research. The cultural competencies and ethical expertise provided by Sierra Leonean academics was critical to work in local communities and ensuring consent to undertake research. Yet, at the end of a day of collecting samples, in small pieces of conversation, the staff also explained ethical constraints they experienced taking part in research collaborations. They illustrate that, while on the surface all may seem well with a project, there can be harmful effects in terms of accessibility, ownership, cultural responsiveness and accountability, which should be taken into consideration when establishing networks and collaborations with universities from low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Peña-Fernández
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Umar Anjum
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Raoul Emeric Guetiya Wadoum
- Department of Public Health, Microbiology and Immunology, Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, Makeni, Sierra Leone
- Department of Public Health, University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone
| | - Sylvester Koroma
- Department of Public Health, University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone
| | - Maria Berghs
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
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Sarink MJ, Pirzadian J, van Cappellen WA, Tielens AGM, Verbon A, Severin JA, van Hellemond JJ. Acanthamoeba castellanii interferes with adequate chlorine disinfection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Hosp Infect 2020; 106:490-494. [PMID: 32976863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Verona-Integron-encoded-Metallo-β-lactamase-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-PA) is a cause of hard-to-treat nosocomial infections, and can colonize hospital water networks alongside Acanthamoeba. We developed an in-vitro disinfection model to examine whether Acanthamoeba castellanii can harbour VIM-PA intracellularly, allowing VIM-PA to evade being killed by currently used hospital disinfectants. We observed that A. castellanii presence resulted in significantly increased survival of VIM-PA after exposure to chlorine for 30 s or for 2 min. This undesirable effect was not observed after disinfection by 70% alcohol or 24% acetic acid. Confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of VIM-PA within A. castellanii pseudocysts. Our data indicate that A. castellanii contributes to persistent VIM-PA colonization of water systems after chlorine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Sarink
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Pirzadian
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W A van Cappellen
- Erasmus Optical Imaging Center and Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A G M Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J A Severin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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