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Faria AM, Araújo ICS, Ferreira LL, Bastos TSA, Figueira SV, de Souza Almeida AM, Andrade MA, Linhares GFC. Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and detection of virulence genes of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from white-lipped peccaries and collared peccaries. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:2035-2041. [PMID: 38713279 PMCID: PMC11153414 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01359-1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli are implicated in human and animal infections and require antimicrobial treatment in many situations. Faecal samples of healthy white-lipped peccaries (Pecari tajacu) (n = 30) and collared peccaries (Tayassu pecari ) (n = 60) obtained in three farms located in the Midwest Brazil. The antimicrobial profiles of commensal E. coli from P. tajacu and T. pecari from commercial herds in Brazil were isolated and analyzed and virulence genes were detected. Among 90 healthy animals, no Salmonella spp. were isolated. However, 30 samples (27%) tested positive for E. coli, with 18 isolates from P. tajacu and 12 from T. pecari, representing frequencies of 58.0% and 38.7%, respectively. Additionally, other Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria were detected but not included in this analysis. However, individual samples from 30 animals tested positive for E. coli, of which 16 were isolated from P. tajacu presenting multidrug resistance and six were isolated from T. pecari presenting a similar pattern. The E. coli virulence genes detected were papC (pilus-associated pyelonephritis) in five isolates, tsh (temperature-sensitive hemagglutinin) in one isolate, and eae (enteric attachment and effacement) in one isolate. The serum resistance gene, iss (increased serum survival), was detected in four isolates. An association between these genes and the presence of hemolysin was also observed in one isolate. Thus, T. pecari and P. tajacu are potential reservoirs of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant and E. coli. Faecal E. coli of healthy P. tajacu and T. pecari could act as a possible reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes in environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Marques Faria
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Itallo Conrado Sousa Araújo
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal deMinas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Souza Azeredo Bastos
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Samantha Verdi Figueira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Souza Almeida
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Maria Auxiliadora Andrade
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Tettey R, Egyir B, Tettey P, Arko-Mensah J, Addo SO, Owusu-Nyantakyi C, Boateng W, Fobil J. Genomic analysis of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli from Urban Environmental water sources in Accra, Ghana, Provides Insights into public health implications. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301531. [PMID: 38787855 PMCID: PMC11125565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater discharge into the environment in resource-poor countries poses a threat to public health. Studies in this area within these countries are limited, and the use of high-throughput whole-genome sequencing technologies is lacking. Therefore, understanding of environmental impacts is inadequate. The present study investigated the antibiotic resistance profiles and diversity of beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli strains isolated from environmental water sources in Accra, Ghana. Microbiological analyses were conducted on wastewater samples from three hospitals, a sewage and wastewater treatment plant, and water samples from two urban surface water bodies. Confirmed isolates (N = 57) were selected for phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles. Multi-drug-resistant isolates (n = 25) were genome sequenced using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology and screened for sequence types, antibiotic resistance, virulence and beta-lactamase genes, and mobile genetic elements. Isolates were frequently resistant to ampicillin (63%), meropenem (47%), azithromycin (46%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (42%). Twenty different sequence types (STs) were identified, including clinically relevant ones such as ST167 and ST21. Five isolates were assigned to novel STs: ST14531 (n = 2), ST14536, ST14537, and ST14538. The isolates belonged to phylogroups A (52%), B1 (44%), and B2 (4%) and carried β-lactamase (TEM-1B, TEM-1C, CTX-M-15, and blaDHA-1) and carbapenemase (OXA-1, OXA-181) resistance genes. Dominant plasmid replicons included Col440I (10.2%) and IncFIB (AP001918) (6.8%). Polluted urban environments in Accra are reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a substantial public health risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tettey
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Beverly Egyir
- West African Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prudence Tettey
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Ofori Addo
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christian Owusu-Nyantakyi
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Boateng
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julius Fobil
- West African Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Niknejad H, Hoseinvandtabar S, Panahandeh M, Gholami-Borujeni F, Janipoor R, Sarvestani RA, Saeedi R, Arani MH, Abtahi M, Rafiee M. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of gastrointestinal illness due to recreational exposure to E. coli and enterococci on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29974. [PMID: 38694045 PMCID: PMC11058881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29974] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal illness refers to a broad range of diseases that affect the digestive system, including infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is a powerful tool used to evaluate the risks associated with microbial pathogens in various environments. The main objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of gastrointestinal illnesses that occur as a result of exposure to E. coli and enterococci during recreational activities on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Methods Samples were collected from the recreational beaches along the border line of the Caspian Sea. The samples were analyzed for the presence and enumeration of E. coli and enterococci using the microplate method and membrane filtration techniques. Then, the annual and daily infection risks were computed using the Monte Carlo simulation approach. Results The results revealed that the risk of daily and annual infections on the coasts of Babolsar was higher than that on the coasts of Sari. Also, in the recreational waters of these beaches, the risk of infection by enterococci was higher than that posed by E. coli. In Babolsar, the average annual infection risk caused by E. coli and enterococci was 0.365 and 1 for children and 0.181 and 0.986 for adults. Also, in Sari, the average annual infection risk caused by E. coli and enterococci was 0.060 and 0.908 for children and 0.027 and 0.815 for adults. In addition, children were more likely than adults to become infected. Conclusion In light of the study's findings, due to the entry of untreated urban wastewater into the southern part of the Caspian Sea (northern Iran) and the high risk of infectious diseases for children, more control and health measures are necessary for children's swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Niknejad
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Panahandeh
- Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran
| | - Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Janipoor
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Hesami Arani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Abtahi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Msimango T, Duvenage S, Du Plessis EM, Korsten L. Microbiological quality assessment of fresh produce: Potential health risk to children and urgent need for improved food safety in school feeding schemes. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:5501-5511. [PMID: 37701226 PMCID: PMC10494634 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
About 388 million school-going children worldwide benefit from school feeding schemes, which make use of fresh produce to prepare meals. Fresh produce including leafy greens and other vegetables were served at 37% and 31% of school feeding programs, respectively, in Africa. This study aimed at assessing the microbiological quality of fresh produce grown onsite or supplied to South African schools that are part of the national school feeding programs that benefit over 9 million school-going children. Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus were enumerated from fresh produce (n = 321) samples. The occurrence of E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae was determined. Presumptive pathogens were tested for antimicrobial resistance. E. coli was further tested for diarrheagenic virulence genes. Enterobacteriaceae on 62.5% of fresh produce samples (200/321) exceeded previous microbiological guidelines for ready-to-eat food, while 86% (276/321 samples) and 31.6% (101/321 samples) exceeded coliform and E. coli criteria, respectively. A total of 76 Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from fresh produce including E. coli (n = 43), Enterobacter spp. (n = 15), and Klebsiella spp. (n = 18). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production was confirmed in 11 E. coli, 13 Enterobacter spp., and 17 Klebsiella spp. isolates. No diarrheagenic virulence genes were detected in E. coli isolates. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) was found in 60.5% (26/43) of the E. coli isolates, while all (100%; n = 41) of the confirmed ESBL and AmpC Enterobacteriaceae showed MDR. Our study indicates the reality of the potential health risk that contaminated fresh produce may pose to school-going children, especially with the growing food safety challenges and antimicrobial resistance crisis globally. This also shows that improved food safety approaches to prevent foodborne illness and the spread of foodborne pathogens through the food served by school feeding schemes are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabang Msimango
- Department of Plant and Soil SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food SecurityPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Natural Resources Institute, Faculty of Engineering and ScienceUniversity of GreenwichLondonUK
| | - Erika M. Du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food SecurityPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food SecurityPretoriaSouth Africa
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Sonola VS, Katakweba A, Misinzo G, Matee MI. Molecular Epidemiology of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Virulence Factors in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Rodents, Humans, Chicken, and Household Soils in Karatu, Northern Tanzania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095388. [PMID: 35564782 PMCID: PMC9102629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of rodents with humans and chicken in the household environment can facilitate transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli), causing infections that are difficult to treat. We investigated the presence of genes encoded for carbapenem, extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), tetracycline and quinolones resistance, and virulence among 50 MDR E. coli isolated from human (n = 14), chicken (n = 12), rodent (n = 10), and soil (n = 14) samples using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall, the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) detected were: blaTEM 23/50 (46%), blaCTX-M 13/50 (26%), tetA 23/50 (46%), tetB 7/50 (14%), qnrA 12/50 (24%), qnrB 4/50 (8%), blaOXA-48 6/50 (12%), and blaKPC 3/50 (6%), while blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 were not found. The virulence genes (VGs) found were: ompA 36/50 (72%), traT 13/50 (26%), east 9/50 (18%), bfp 5/50 (10%), eae 1/50 (2%), and stx-1 2/50 (4%), while hlyA and cnf genes were not detected. Resistance (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, tetA, tetB, and qnrA) and virulence (traT) genes were found in all sample sources while stx-1 and eae were only found in chicken and rodent isolates, respectively. Tetracycline resistance phenotypes correlated with genotypes tetA (r = 0.94), tetB (r = 0.90), blaKPC (r = 0.90; blaOXA-48 (r = 0.89), and qnrA (r = 0.96). ESBL resistance was correlated with genotypes blaKPC (r = 0.93), blaOXA-48 (r = 0.90), and qnrA (r = 0.96) resistance. Positive correlations were observed between resistance and virulence genes: qnrB and bfp (r = 0.63) also blaTEM, and traT (r = 0.51). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that tetA, tetB, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, qnrA, and qnrB genes contributed to tetracycline, cefotaxime, and quinolone resistance, respectively. While traT stx-1, bfp, ompA, east, and eae genes contributed to virulence of MDR E. coli isolates. The PCA ellipses show that isolates from rodents had more ARGs and virulence genes compared to those isolated from chicken, soil, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery Silvery Sonola
- Department of Wildlife Management, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3073, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania
- Livestock Training Agency (LITA), Buhuri Campus, P.O. Box 1483, Tanga 21206, Tanzania
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE-IRPM & BTD), Pest Management Institute, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdul Katakweba
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE-IRPM & BTD), Pest Management Institute, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania;
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3297, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania;
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3297, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania;
| | - Mecky Isaac Matee
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3297, Morogoro 67125, Tanzania;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam 11103, Tanzania
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Whole-Genome Sequencing and Virulome Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolated from New Zealand Environments of Contrasting Observed Land Use. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0027722. [PMID: 35442082 PMCID: PMC9088250 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00277-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Generic Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination to assess water quality and human health risk. Where measured E. coli exceedances occur, the presence of other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is assumed, but confirmatory data are lacking. Putative E. coli isolates (n = 709) were isolated from water, sediment, soil, periphyton, and feces samples (n = 189) from five sites representing native forest and agricultural environments. Ten E. coli isolates (1.41%) were stx2 positive, 19 (2.7%) were eae positive, and stx1-positive isolates were absent. At the sample level, stx2-positive E. coli (5 of 189, 2.6%) and eae-positive isolates (16 of 189, 8.5%) were rare. Using real-time PCR, these STEC-associated virulence factors were determined to be more prevalent in sample enrichments (stx1, 23.9%; stx2, 31.4%; eae, 53.7%) and positively correlated with generic E. coli isolate numbers (P < 0.05) determined using culture-based methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was undertaken on a subset of 238 isolates with assemblies representing seven E. coli phylogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F), 22 Escherichia marmotae isolates, and 1 Escherichia ruysiae isolate. Virulence factors, including those from extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, were extremely diverse in isolates from the different locations and were more common in phylogroup B2. Analysis of the virulome from WGS data permitted the identification of gene repertoires that may be involved in environmental fitness and broadly align with phylogroup. Although recovery of STEC isolates was low, our molecular data indicate that they are likely to be widely present in environmental samples containing diverse E. coli phylogroups. IMPORTANCE This study takes a systematic sampling approach to assess the public health risk of Escherichia coli recovered from freshwater sites within forest and farmland. The New Zealand landscape is dominated by livestock farming, and previous work has demonstrated that "recreational exposure to water" is a risk factor for human infection by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Though STEC isolates were rarely isolated from water samples, STEC-associated virulence factors were identified more commonly from water sample culture enrichments and were associated with increased generic E. coli concentrations. Whole-genome sequencing data from both E. coli and newly described Escherichia spp. demonstrated the presence of virulence factors from E. coli pathotypes, including extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli. This has significance for understanding and interpreting the potential health risk from E. coli where water quality is poor and suggests a role of virulence factors in survival and persistence of E. coli and Escherichia spp.
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Is It Human or Animal? The Origin of Pathogenic E. coli in the Drinking Water of a Low-Income Urban Community in Bangladesh. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040181. [PMID: 34698298 PMCID: PMC8544722 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the origin of diverse pathotypes of E. coli, isolated from communal water sources and from the actual drinking water vessel at the point-of-drinking inside households in a low-income urban community in Arichpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-six percent (57/125, CI 95%: 41−58) of the isolates in the point-of-drinking water and 53% (55/103, CI 95%: 45−64) of the isolates in the source water were diarrheagenic E. coli. Among the pathotypes, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was the most common, 81% (46/57) of ETEC was found in the point-of-drinking water and 87% (48/55) was found in the communal source water. Phylogenetic group B1, which is predominant in animals, was the most frequently found isolate in both the point-of-drinking water (50%, 91/181) and in the source (50%, 89/180) water. The phylogenetic subgroup B23, usually of human origin, was more common in the point-of-drinking water (65%, 13/20) than in the source water (35%, 7/20). Our findings suggest that non-human mammals and birds played a vital role in fecal contamination for both the source and point-of-drinking water. Addressing human sanitation without a consideration of fecal contamination from livestock sources will not be enough to prevent drinking-water contamination and thus will persist as a greater contributor to diarrheal pathogens.
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NandaKafle G, Huegen T, Potgieter SC, Steenkamp E, Venter SN, Brözel VS. Niche Preference of Escherichia coli in a Peri-Urban Pond Ecosystem. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101020. [PMID: 34685391 PMCID: PMC8538306 DOI: 10.3390/life11101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli comprises diverse strains with a large accessory genome, indicating functional diversity and the ability to adapt to a range of niches. Specific strains would display greatest fitness in niches matching their combination of phenotypic traits. Given this hypothesis, we sought to determine whether E. coli in a peri-urban pond and associated cattle pasture display niche preference. Samples were collected from water, sediment, aquatic plants, water snails associated with the pond, as well as bovine feces from cattle in an adjacent pasture. Isolates (120) were obtained after plating on Membrane Lactose Glucuronide Agar (MLGA). We used the uidA and mutS sequences for all isolates to determine phylogeny by maximum likelihood, and population structure through gene flow analysis. PCR was used to allocate isolates to phylogroups and to determine the presence of pathogenicity/virulence genes (stxI, stxII, eaeA, hlyA, ST, and LT). Antimicrobial resistance was determined using a disk diffusion assay for Tetracycline, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Meropenem, Ceftriaxone, and Azithromycin. Our results showed that isolates from water, sediment, and water plants were similar by phylogroup distribution, virulence gene distribution, and antibiotic resistance while both snail and feces populations were significantly different. Few of the feces isolates were significantly similar to aquatic ones, and most of the snail isolates were also different. Population structure analysis indicated three genetic backgrounds associated with bovine, snail, and aquatic environments. Collectively these data support niche preference of E. coli isolates occurring in this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali NandaKafle
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; (G.N.); (T.H.)
| | - Taylor Huegen
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; (G.N.); (T.H.)
| | - Sarah C. Potgieter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0004, South Africa; (S.C.P.); (E.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Emma Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0004, South Africa; (S.C.P.); (E.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Stephanus N. Venter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0004, South Africa; (S.C.P.); (E.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Volker S. Brözel
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; (G.N.); (T.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0004, South Africa; (S.C.P.); (E.S.); (S.N.V.)
- Correspondence:
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Chigor V, Ibangha IA, Chigor C, Titilawo Y. Treated wastewater used in fresh produce irrigation in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria is a reservoir of enterotoxigenic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03780. [PMID: 32373727 PMCID: PMC7191586 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occurrences of pathogens in environmental and irrigation waters, as well as the use of inadequately treated sewage for fresh produce constitute potential public health threats worldwide. Objective To investigate the treated wastewater used in fresh produce irrigation in Nsuskka, Southeastern Nigeria, as a reservoir enterotoxigenic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Methods Treated wastewater (from the sewage treatment facility at Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria), soil and irrigated vegetable samples were collected and analyzed using standard procedures. Escherichia coli isolated from the samples were screened for the presence of enterotoxigenic E. coli strain encoding lt gene and profiled for antibiotic resistance using the conventional PCR and standardized agar disk diffusion assays respectively. Results Of the total presumptive 103 isolates, PCR detected uidA gene in 87 (84 %), of which 23 (26 %) harboured the lt encoding ETEC gene. Generally, imipenem, cefuroxime and norfloxacin proved to be most effective of all the antibiotics employed. Wastewater isolates were variously susceptible to ciprofloxacin (95 %), norfloxacin (95 %), cefuroxime (93 %), chloramphenicol (93 %), trimethoprim and tetracycline (88 %), soil isolates to streptomycin (75 %) and vegetable isolates to cefuroxime (90 %), norfloxacin (86 %), ciprofloxacin (81 %) and chloramphenicol. Contrariwise, high resistances observed to other antibiotics were in the order; ampicillin (95 %), penicillin (93 %), erythromycin (90 %) and clarithromycin (83 %) among wastewater isolates, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin (75 %) in soil isolates; penicillin, vancomycin and erythromycin (98 %), rifampicin and clarithromycin (93 %), sulphamethoxazole (83 %), ampicillin (81 %), tetracycline and imipenem (76 %), trimethoprim (72 %) and amoxicillin (71 %) among vegetable isolates, with multidrug resistance patterns ranging from three to seventeen. Conclusions Our results reveal the treated wastewater as a reservoir of enterotoxigenic E. coli as well as multidrug resistance that may pose a health hazard for humans and animals when released to the natural environment. Hence, there is need to develop management strategies and ensure compliance in order to prevent water-borne diarrhoea caused by ETEC and reduce the menace of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chigor
- Water and Public Health Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ini-Abasi Ibangha
- Water and Public Health Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere Chigor
- Water and Public Health Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Yinka Titilawo
- Department of Biology/Microbiology/Biotechnology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
- Corresponding author.
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10
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Weller D, Belias A, Green H, Roof S, Wiedmann M. Landscape, Water Quality, and Weather Factors Associated With an Increased Likelihood of Foodborne Pathogen Contamination of New York Streams Used to Source Water for Produce Production. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020; 3:124. [PMID: 32440656 PMCID: PMC7241490 DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2019.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for science-based tools to (i) help manage microbial produce safety hazards associated with preharvest surface water use, and (ii) facilitate comanagement of agroecosystems for competing stakeholder aims. To develop these tools an improved understanding of foodborne pathogen ecology in freshwater systems is needed. The purpose of this study was to identify (i) sources of potential food safety hazards, and (ii) combinations of factors associated with an increased likelihood of pathogen contamination of agricultural water Sixty-eight streams were sampled between April and October 2018 (196 samples). At each sampling event separate 10-L grab samples (GS) were collected and tested for Listeria, Salmonella, and the stx and eaeA genes. A 1-L GS was also collected and used for Escherichia coli enumeration and detection of four host-associated fecal source-tracking markers (FST). Regression analysis was used to identify individual factors that were significantly associated with pathogen detection. We found that eaeA-stx codetection [Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.3, 13.4] and Salmonella isolation (OR = 1.8; CI = 0.9, 3.5) were strongly associated with detection of ruminant and human FST markers, respectively, while Listeria spp. (excluding Listeria monocytogenes) was negatively associated with log10 E. coli levels (OR = 0.50; CI = 0.26, 0.96). L. monocytogenes isolation was not associated with the detection of any fecal indicators. This observation supports the current understanding that, unlike enteric pathogens, Listeria is not fecally-associated and instead originates from other environmental sources. Separately, conditional inference trees were used to identify scenarios associated with an elevated or reduced risk of pathogen contamination. Interestingly, while the likelihood of isolating L. monocytogenes appears to be driven by complex interactions between environmental factors, the likelihood of Salmonella isolation and eaeA-stx codetection were driven by physicochemical water quality (e.g., dissolved oxygen) and temperature, respectively. Overall, these models identify environmental conditions associated with an enhanced risk of pathogen presence in agricultural water (e.g., rain events were associated with L. monocytogenes isolation from samples collected downstream of dairy farms; P = 0.002). The information presented here will enable growers to comanage their operations to mitigate the produce safety risks associated with preharvest surface water use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Weller
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Alexandra Belias
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Hyatt Green
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Sherry Roof
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Martin Wiedmann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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11
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Nimnoi P, Pongsilp N. Marine bacterial communities in the upper gulf of Thailand assessed by Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:19. [PMID: 31973711 PMCID: PMC6979385 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-1701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The total bacterial community plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, bacterial communities and diversity along the shores of the Upper Gulf of Thailand were first characterized. The association between bacterial communities and types of land use was also evaluated. Results The bacterial communities and diversity of seawater in the Upper Gulf of Thailand, with regard to types of land use, were first revealed by using Illumina next-generation sequencing. A total of 4953 OTUs were observed from all samples in which 554 OTUs were common. The bacterial communities in sampling sites were significantly different from each other. The run-off water from three types of land use significantly affected the community richness and diversity of marine bacteria. Aquaculture sites contained the highest levels of community richness and diversity, followed by mangrove forests and tourist sites. Seawater physicochemical parameters including salinity, turbidity, TSS, total N, and BOD5, were significantly different when grouped by land use. The bacterial communities were mainly determined by salinity, total N, and total P. The species richness estimators and OTUs were positively correlated with turbidity. The top ten most abundant phyla and genera as well as the distribution of bacterial classes were characterized. The Proteobacteria constituted the largest proportions in all sampling sites, ranging between 67.31 and 78.80%. The numbers of the Marinobacterium, Neptuniibacter, Synechococcus, Candidatus Thiobios, hgcI clade (Actinobacteria), and Candidatus Pelagibacter were significantly different when grouped by land use. Conclusions Type of land use significantly affected bacterial communities and diversity along the Upper Gulf of Thailand. Turbidity was the most influential parameter affecting the variation in bacterial community composition. Salinity, total N, and P were the ones of the important factors that shaped the bacterial communities. In addition, the variations of bacterial communities from site-to-site were greater than within-site. The Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Euryarchaeota, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Deep Sea DHVEG-6, and Marinimicrobia were the most and common phyla distributed across the Upper Gulf of Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongrawee Nimnoi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Neelawan Pongsilp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
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12
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Singhal N, Singh NS, Maurya AK, Virdi JS. Virulence-associated traits and in vitro biofilm-forming ability of Escherichia coli isolated from a major river traversing Northern India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:21304-21311. [PMID: 31124069 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Several strains of Escherichia coli harbor virulence traits, resulting in E. coli-related intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Various studies have reported that extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains were prevalent in nonhuman reservoirs, including environmental waterways. It is therefore important to identify the pathogenic potential and/or ExPEC status of E. coli strains inhabiting the aquatic environments associated with anthropogenic activities. Besides virulence-associated genes, biofilm production also helps in the survival of E. coli in environmental waterbodies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the virulence potential, ExPEC status, and biofilm-producing capability of E. coli isolated from the River Yamuna, a major river traversing the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. We also tried to discern a co-relation, if any, between virulence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance in these strains. Our results indicated that virulence-associated genes were scarce and none of the strain qualified the molecular criteria essential for ExPEC. This suggested that E. coli strains which can presumably cause human extra-intestinal infections were not prominent in the River Yamuna. However, the fact that more than 80% of the aquatic E. coli isolates were moderate and strong biofilm producers suggests that E. coli in these environments might serve as opportunistic pathogens. Also, no unequivocal association was observed between biofilm production, virulence, and β-lactamase genes in E. coli strains. As per the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where the relationship between virulence, biofilms, and antimicrobials has been examined in E. coli, isolated from an Indian urban aquatic waterbody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelja Singhal
- Microbial Pathogenicity Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Nambram Somendro Singh
- Microbial Pathogenicity Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Anay Kumar Maurya
- Microbial Pathogenicity Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Jugsharan Singh Virdi
- Microbial Pathogenicity Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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13
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O'Flaherty E, Solimini A, Pantanella F, Cummins E. The potential human exposure to antibiotic resistant-Escherichia coli through recreational water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:786-795. [PMID: 30308854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is important that bathing water sites are free as possible from antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) to prevent the spread of difficult to treat infections throughout the population. This study examines the possible human exposure to antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli (AR-E. coli) through recreational activities at two different bathing water sites located near wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A quantitative risk assessment model was created to model the pathway of the AR-E. coli from the WWTPs effluent water through to the bathing water sites. Both sampling data and data from scientific literature were used. The main steps considered for the model were: the dilution and decay of the AR-E. coli from the WWTPs effluent water into the river; the dilution of the river into the bathing water sites and the human exposure to AR-E. coli through recreational activities at the bathing water sites (as a result of water ingestion). The results show the mean predicted human exposure levels ranged between 0.45 and 345.09 cfu/100 ml. A back calculation method determined that in accordance with the European Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) (BWD) to be considered "poor" water quality, the concentration of AR-E. coli in WWTP effluent water would need to exceed 2.45 log cfu/ml at site 1 and exceed 2.71 log cfu/ml at site 2. This study provides valuable information for regulatory bodies and policy makers on the possible human exposure levels to AR-E. coli and the maximum permissible concentrations in WWTP effluent water to ensure compliance with relevant bathing water legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O'Flaherty
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - A Solimini
- Department of Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - F Pantanella
- Department of Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - E Cummins
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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14
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Zhang Q, Al-Ghalith GA, Kobayashi M, Segawa T, Maeda M, Okabe S, Knights D, Ishii S. High-Throughput flaA Short Variable Region Sequencing to Assess Campylobacter Diversity in Fecal Samples From Birds. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2201. [PMID: 30319559 PMCID: PMC6167966 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Current approach to identify sources of human pathogens is largely dependent on the cultivation and isolation of target bacteria. For rapid pathogen source identification, culture-independent strain typing method is necessary. In this study, we designed new primer set that broadly covers flaA short variable region (SVR) of various Campylobacter species, and applied the flaA SVR sequencing method to examine the diversity of Campylobacter spp. in geese fecal samples (n = 16) with and without bacteria cultivation. Twenty-three Campylobacter strains isolated from the 16 geese fecal samples were grouped similarly by conventional flaA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and by the flaA SVR sequencing method, but higher discriminant power was observed in the flaA SVR sequencing approach. For culture-independent flaA SVR sequencing analysis, we developed and optimized the sequence data analysis pipeline to identify as many genotypes as possible, while minimizing the detection of genotypes generated by sequencing errors. By using this pipeline, 51,629 high-quality flaA sequence reads were clustered into 16 operational taxonomic units (=genotypes) by using 98% sequence similarity and >50 sequence duplicates. Almost all flaA genotypes obtained by culture-dependent method were also identified by culture-independent flaA SVR MiSeq sequencing method. In addition, more flaA genotypes were identified probably due to high throughput nature of the MiSeq sequencing. These results suggest that the flaA SVR sequencing could be used to analyze the diversity of Campylobacter spp. without bacteria isolation. This method is promising to rapidly identify potential sources of Campylobacter pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Gabriel A Al-Ghalith
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mayumi Kobayashi
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Segawa
- Center for Life Science Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.,National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuto Maeda
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okabe
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Dan Knights
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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15
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Zhang Q, Ishii S. Improved simultaneous quantification of multiple waterborne pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria with the use of a sample process control. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 137:193-200. [PMID: 29550722 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is now commonly used to detect fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as well as pathogens in water samples. However, DNA loss during sample processing can cause underestimation of target genes. In this study, we created a sample process control strain (SPC) by genetically engineering a non-pathogenic, Gram-negative bacterium Pseudogulbenkiania sp. strain NH8B. The SPC strain, named NH8B-1D2, has a kanamycin-resistance gene inserted to one of the 23S rRNA genes. To specifically quantify the SPC strain, a new TaqMan qPCR assay was developed. To obtain the relationship between the DNA recovery efficiencies of various pathogens and those of the SPC strain, known amount of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, or Listeria monocytogenes cells were co-spiked with the SPC strain to environmental water samples. The DNA recovery efficiencies were calculated by comparing the quantity of bacterial cells inoculated to water samples prior to filtration and DNA extraction, and those measured by qPCR. We then obtained the ratios in the recovery efficiencies between pathogens and SPC strain (RRPATH/SPC). The RRPATH/SPC values obtained using Oono pond water collected in Japan were used as a pathogen-specific constant to estimate the accurate concentrations of pathogens in water samples collected from Mississippi River in Minnesota. Estimated pathogen concentrations were not significantly different from the inoculated pathogen concentration, suggesting our normalization approach is useful to estimate the accurate concentrations of pathogens in environmental water samples. The qPCR assay targeting the SPC strains and FIB were incorporated into the microfluidic qPCR chip format (PBQ chip ver. 2); therefore, we can simultaneously quantify multiple pathogens, FIB, and the SPC strain in high throughput from many water samples. This new tool can be useful for water quality monitoring and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States; Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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16
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Malema MS, Abia ALK, Tandlich R, Zuma B, Mwenge Kahinda JM, Ubomba-Jaswa E. Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolated from Rooftop Rainwater-Harvesting Tanks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15050892. [PMID: 29723970 PMCID: PMC5981931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15050892] [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: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although many developing countries use harvested rainwater (HRW) for drinking and other household purposes, its quality is seldom monitored. Continuous assessment of the microbial quality of HRW would ensure the safety of users of such water. The current study investigated the prevalence of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in HRW tanks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Rainwater samples were collected weekly between June and September 2016 from 11 tanks in various areas of the province. Enumeration of E. coli was performed using the Colilert®18/Quanti-Tray® 2000 method. E. coli isolates were obtained and screened for their virulence potentials using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subsequently tested for antibiotic resistance using the disc-diffusion method against 11 antibiotics. The pathotype most detected was the neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) (ibeA 28%) while pathotype enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) was not detected. The highest resistance of the E. coli isolates was observed against Cephalothin (76%). All tested pathotypes were susceptible to Gentamicin, and 52% demonstrated multiple-antibiotic resistance (MAR). The results of the current study are of public health concern since the use of untreated harvested rainwater for potable purposes may pose a risk of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokaba Shirley Malema
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Akebe Luther King Abia
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Roman Tandlich
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
| | - Bonga Zuma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
| | - Jean-Marc Mwenge Kahinda
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, 37 Nind Street, Doornfontein 2094, South Africa.
- Water Research Commission, Lynnwood Bridge Office Park, Bloukrans Building, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa.
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17
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Phylogenetic Backgrounds and Virulence-Associated Traits of Escherichia coli Isolates from Surface Waters and Diverse Animals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01329-17. [PMID: 28986372 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01329-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Possible external reservoirs for extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains that cause infections in humans are poorly defined. Because of the tremendous human health importance of ExPEC infections, we assessed surface waters and domesticated and wild animals in Minnesota and Wisconsin as potential reservoirs of ExPEC of human health relevance. We characterized 595 E. coli isolates (obtained from 1999 to 2002; 280 from seven surface water sites, 315 from feces of 13 wild and domesticated animal species) for phylogroup and virulence genotype, including inferred ExPEC status, by using multiplex PCR-based methods. We also compared the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles of the isolates with a large private PFGE profile library. We found a predominance of non-ExPEC strains (95% and 93% among water and animal isolates, respectively), which were mainly from phylogroups A and B1, plus a minority of ExPEC strains (5% and 7% among water isolates and animal isolates, respectively), predominantly from phylogroup B2. The ExPEC strains, although significantly associated with cats, dogs, and turkeys, occurred in several additional animal species (goat, horse, chicken, pig) and were distributed broadly across all surface water sites. Virulence gene content among the animal source ExPEC isolates segregated significantly in relation to host species, following established patterns. PFGE analysis indicated that 11 study isolates closely matched (94% to 100% profile similarity) reference human clinical and fecal isolates. These findings imply what probably is a low but non-zero risk to humans from environmental and animal source E. coli isolates, especially those from specific human-associated animal species.IMPORTANCE Our detection of potentially pathogenic strains that may pose a health threat to humans among E. coli isolates from surface waters and wild and domesticated animals suggests a need for heightened attention to these reservoirs as possible sources for human acquisition of disease-causing E. coli Although cats, dogs, and turkeys were especially high-prevalence sources, the presence of such strains in other animal species and at all sampled water sites suggests that this potential risk may be widespread.
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18
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Jang J, Hur HG, Sadowsky MJ, Byappanahalli MN, Yan T, Ishii S. Environmental Escherichia coli: ecology and public health implications-a review. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:570-581. [PMID: 28383815 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli is classified as a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae. The bacterium mainly inhabits the lower intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is often discharged into the environment through faeces or wastewater effluent. The presence of E. coli in environmental waters has long been considered as an indicator of recent faecal pollution. However, numerous recent studies have reported that some specific strains of E. coli can survive for long periods of time, and potentially reproduce, in extraintestinal environments. This indicates that E. coli can be integrated into indigenous microbial communities in the environment. This naturalization phenomenon calls into question the reliability of E. coli as a faecal indicator bacterium (FIB). Recently, many studies reported that E. coli populations in the environment are affected by ambient environmental conditions affecting their long-term survival. Large-scale studies of population genetics revealed the diversity and complexity of E. coli strains in various environments, which are affected by multiple environmental factors. This review examines the current knowledge on the ecology of E. coli strains in various environments with regard to its role as a FIB and as a naturalized member of indigenous microbial communities. Special emphasis is given on the growth of pathogenic E. coli in the environment, and the population genetics of environmental members of the genus Escherichia. The impact of environmental E. coli on water quality and public health is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - H-G Hur
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - M J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - M N Byappanahalli
- Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Great Lakes Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Chesterton, IN, USA
| | - T Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - S Ishii
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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19
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Prevalence of Virulence Genes Associated with Diarrheagenic Pathotypes of Escherichia coli Isolates from Water, Sediment, Fish, and Crab in Aby Lagoon, Côte d'Ivoire. Int J Microbiol 2017; 2017:9532170. [PMID: 28676828 PMCID: PMC5476888 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9532170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to characterize virulence genes of Escherichia coli isolates from water, sediment, fish, and crab in Aby Lagoon. Serogrouping was performed by EPEC antisera in 113 E. coli strains. The presence of diarrhea-associated genes (eae, stx, AggR, elt, and est) was assessed by multiplex PCR using specific primers. Based on the multiplex PCR, sixty-two isolates (42 from water, 19 from sediment, and 1 from crab) were positive for virulence genes, including 34 positive for elt (ETEC), 46 positive for est (ETEC), 24 positive for both elt and est, 6 positive for stx (EHEC), 1 positive for both stx + est, and 1 positive for both stx + elt. Genes eae (EPEC) and AggR (EAEC) were not detected. Nine serogroups (O114, O127, O55, O111, O86, O119, O126, O128, and O142) were identified. This study revealed the presence of diarrheagenic and nondiarrheagenic E. coli and potential public health risks if fishery products are not appropriately cooked.
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Masters NM, Wiegand A, Thompson JM, Vollmerhausen TL, Hatje E, Katouli M. Assessing the population dynamics of Escherichia coli in a metropolitan river after an extreme flood event. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2017; 15:196-208. [PMID: 28362301 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2016.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated Escherichia coli populations in a metropolitan river after an extreme flood event. Between nine and 15 of the 23 selected sites along the river were sampled fortnightly over three rounds. In all, 307 E. coli were typed using the PhP typing method and were grouped into common (C) or single (S) biochemical phenotypes (BPTs). A representative from each of the 31 identified C-BPTs was tested for 58 virulence genes (VGs) associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal E. coli, resistance to 22 antibiotics, production of biofilm and cytotoxicity to Vero cells. The number of E. coli in the first sampling round was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than subsequent rounds, whereas the number of VGs was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in isolates from the last sampling round when compared to previous rounds. Comparison of the C-BPTs with an existing database from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the same catchment showed that 40.6% of the river isolates were identical to the WWTP isolates. The relatively high number of VGs and antibiotic resistance among the C-BPTs suggests possessing and retaining these genes may provide niche advantages for those naturalised and/or persistent E. coli populations which may pose a health risk to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Masters
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
| | - Aaron Wiegand
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
| | - Jasmin M Thompson
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
| | - Tara L Vollmerhausen
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
| | - Eva Hatje
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Katouli
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia E-mail:
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Karbasdehi VN, Dobaradaran S, Nabipour I, Ostovar A, Arfaeinia H, Vazirizadeh A, Mirahmadi R, Keshtkar M, Ghasemi FF, Khalifei F. Indicator bacteria community in seawater and coastal sediment: the Persian Gulf as a case. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2017; 15:6. [PMID: 28293427 PMCID: PMC5345169 DOI: 10.1186/s40201-017-0266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of present work was to assess the concentration levels as well as vertical distribution of indicator bacteria including total coliform, fecal coliform, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) in the marine environment (seawater and coastal sediments) and evaluate the correlation between indicator bacteria and some physicochemical parameters of surface sediments as well as seawaters. METHODS A total number of 48 seawater and sediment samples were taken from 8 stations (each site 6 times with an interval time of 2 weeks) between June and September 2014. Seawater and sediment samples were collected from 30 cm under the surface samples and different sediment depths (0, 4, 7, 10, 15, and 20 cm) respectively, along the Persian Gulf in Bushehr coastal areas. RESULTS Based on the results, the average numbers of bacterial indicators including total coliform, fecal coliform, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as HPC in seawater samples were 1238.13, 150.87, 8.22 MPN/100 ml and 1742.91 CFU/ml, respectively, and in sediment samples at different depths (from 0-20 cm) varied between 25 × 103 to 51.67 × 103, 5.63 × 103 to 12.46 × 103, 17.33 to 65 MPN/100 ml, 36 × 103 to 147.5 × 103 CFU/ml, respectively. There were no statistically significant relationships between the indicator organism concentration levels with temperature as well as pH value of seawater. A reverse correlation was found between the level of indicator bacteria and salinity of seawater samples. Also results revealed that the sediment texture influenced abundance of indicators bacteria in sediments. As the concentration levels of indicators bacteria were higher in muddy sediments compare with sandy ones. CONCLUSION Result conducted Bushehr coastal sediments constitute a reservoir of indicator bacteria, therefore, whole of the indicators determined were distinguished to be present in higher levels in sediments than in the overlying seawater. It was concluded that the concentration levels of microbial indicators decreased with depth in sediments. Except total coliform, the numbers of other bacteria including fecal coliform, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and HPC bacteria significantly declined in the depth between 10 and 15 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Noroozi Karbasdehi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Boostan 19 Alley, Imam Khomeini Street, Bushehr, Iran
- Systems Environmental Health, Oil, Gas and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Afshin Ostovar
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hossein Arfaeinia
- Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Vazirizadeh
- The Persian Gulf Studies and Researches Center Marine Biotechnology Department, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Mirahmadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Keshtkar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji Ghasemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Khalifei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Shah MS, Eppinger M, Ahmed S, Shah AA, Hameed A, Hasan F. Flooding adds pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to the water sources in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Indian J Med Microbiol 2016; 34:483-488. [PMID: 27934827 DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.195350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Seasonal rains in Pakistan result in heavy floods across the country, whereby faecal contaminants will be added to the water bodies and cause numerous food-borne outbreaks. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains in the water sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred water samples collected during (2011-2012) were processed for the isolation of E. coli (EC) strains. EC strains were further analysed for antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and pathogroups-specific virulence factors stx1, stx2, stx2c, eae, tir, hlyA, bfpA, estA and eltA were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Thirty-three percent of the water samples were contaminated with EC pathotypes. Fifty percent (33/66) of the DEC pathotypes were identified as enterotoxigenic EC (ETEC). Seventy-two percent (13/18) of the enteropathogenic EC (EPEC) strains were identified as typical EPEC and 28% (5/18) as atypical EPEC. Eleven percent (7/66) of the Shiga toxin EC (STEC) isolates carried a combination of stx1 and stx2 genes. Summer was found as a peak season with 47% (31/66) for EC pathogroups' activities. Eighty-nine percent of the strains showed resistance against tetracycline. CONCLUSION ETEC and EPEC are the primary causes of water contamination in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Firm adherence to the prescribed drugs can decrease trends in antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - M Eppinger
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - S Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A A Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Hameed
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - F Hasan
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in coliform water isolates. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:823-831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Rodrigues VFV, Rivera ING, Lim KY, Jiang SC. Detection and risk assessment of diarrheagenic E. coli in recreational beaches of Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:163-170. [PMID: 27301685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine beaches are important recreational and economic resources in Brazil, but the beaches' water quality is negatively impacted by the discharge of domestic sewage effluent. The occurrence of diarrheagenic Escherichiacoli among the E. coli isolated from three Brazilian marine beaches was investigated. Multiplex and single step PCR were used to screen 99 E. coli isolates for ten target toxin genes. Six toxin genes, stx1, eae, estp, esth, astA, and bfpA, were identified in 1% to 35% of the isolates. A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of human exposure to diarrheagenic E. coli during marine recreation was carried out. The results indicated that the diarrheagenic E. coli risk is well below the U.S. EPA's recommended daily recreational risk benchmark. However, the overall recreational health risk due to all pathogens in the water could be much higher and exceeded the U.S. EPA's benchmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa F V Rodrigues
- Biomedical Science Institute, Microbiology Department, University of São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA
| | - Irma N G Rivera
- Biomedical Science Institute, Microbiology Department, University of São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Keah-Ying Lim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA
| | - Sunny C Jiang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA.
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Ozawa S, Okabe S, Ishii S. Specific Single-Cell Isolation of Escherichia coli O157 from Environmental Water Samples by Using Flow Cytometry and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2016; 13:456-61. [PMID: 27182755 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of food and water with pathogenic bacteria is of concern. Although culture-independent detection and quantification of pathogens is useful, isolation of pathogenic bacteria is still important when identifying the sources of pathogens. Here, we report the use of flow cytometry (FCM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to specifically detect and isolate individual Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells from water samples. When present at >10 cells/mL water, target pathogen was specifically detected and isolated. The FACS-sorted E. coli O157:H7 population reflected the original population diversity, in contrast to the populations obtained by immunomagnetic separation. Relative abundance of multiple pathogenic strains is important when performing source-tracking studies; therefore, single-cell isolation with FCM-FACS can be a useful tool to obtain pathogenic bacteria for source tracking purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Ozawa
- 1 Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University , Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okabe
- 1 Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University , Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- 1 Division of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University , Sapporo, Japan .,2 Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota
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Griffith JF, Weisberg SB, Arnold BF, Cao Y, Schiff KC, Colford JM. Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple alternate microbial water quality monitoring indicators at three California beaches. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 94:371-381. [PMID: 27040577 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in molecular methods provide new opportunities for directly measuring pathogens or host-associated markers of fecal pollution instead of relying on fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) alone for beach water quality monitoring. Adoption of new indicators depends on identifying relationships between either the presence or concentration of the indicators and illness among swimmers. Here we present results from three epidemiologic studies in which a broad range of bacterial and viral indicators of fecal contamination were measured simultaneously by either culture or molecular methods along with Enterococcus to assess whether they provide better health risk prediction than current microbial indicators of recreational water quality. METHODS We conducted prospective cohort studies at three California beaches -- Avalon Bay (Avalon), Doheny State Beach (Doheny), Surfrider State Beach (Malibu) -- during the summers of 2007, 2008 and 2009. The studies enrolled 10,785 swimmers across the beaches and recorded each swimmer's water exposure. Water and sand samples were collected several times per day at multiple locations at each beach and analyzed for up to 41 target indicators using 67 different methodologies. Interviewers contacted participants by phone 10-14 days later and recorded symptoms of gastrointestinal illness occurring after their beach visit. Regression models were used to evaluate the association between water quality indicators and gastrointestinal illness among swimmers at each beach. RESULTS F+ coliphage (measured using EPA Method 1602) exhibited a stronger association with GI illness than did EPA Method 1600 at the two beaches where it was measured, while a molecular method, F+ RNA Coliphage Genotype II, was the only indicator significantly associated with GI illness at Malibu. MRSA, a known pathogen, had the strongest association with GI illness of any microbe measured at Avalon. There were two methods targeting human-associated fecal anaerobic bacteria that were more strongly associated with GI illness than EPA Method 1600, but only at Avalon. No indicator combinations consistently had a higher odds ratio than EPA Method 1600, but one composite indicator, based on the number of pathogens detected at a beach, was significantly associated with gastrointestinal illness at both Avalon and Doheny when freshwater flow was high. DISCUSSION While EPA Method1600 performed adequately at two beaches based on its consistency of association with gastrointestinal illness and the precision of its estimated associations, F+ coliphage measured by EPA Method 1602 had a stronger association with GI illness under high risk conditions at the two beaches where it was measured. One indicator, F+ Coliphage Genotype II was the only indicator significantly associated with GI illness at Malibu. Several indicators, particularly those targeting human associated bacteria, exhibited relationships with GI illness that were equal to or greater than that of EPA Method 1600 at Avalon, which has a focused human fecal source. Our results suggest that site-specific conditions at each beach determine which indicator or indicators best predict GI illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Griffith
- Department of Microbiology, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd. Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Yiping Cao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth C Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | - John M Colford
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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Balière C, Rincé A, Blanco J, Dahbi G, Harel J, Vogeleer P, Giard JC, Mariani-Kurkdjian P, Gourmelon M. Prevalence and Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Shellfish-Harvesting Areas and Their Watersheds. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1356. [PMID: 26648928 PMCID: PMC4664706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
more strains formed a strong biofilm at 18 than at 30°C. Finally, more than 85% of analyzed strains were found to be sensitive to the 16 tested antibiotics. These data suggest the low risk of human infection by STEC if shellfish from these shellfish-harvesting areas were consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Balière
- Laboratoire Santé Environnement et Microbiologie, Unité Santé, Génétique et Microbiologie des Mollusques, Département Ressources Biologiques et Environnement, Ifremer Plouzané, France
| | - Alain Rincé
- U2RM EA4655 Stress/Virulence, Normandie-Université, University of Caen Normandy Caen, France
| | - Jorge Blanco
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo, Spain
| | - Ghizlane Dahbi
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo, Spain
| | - Josée Harel
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche d'Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole, Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Vogeleer
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses du Porc, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche d'Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole, Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Christophe Giard
- U2RM EA4655 Antibio-Résistance, Normandie-Université, University of Caen Normandy Caen, France
| | - Patricia Mariani-Kurkdjian
- Service de Microbiologie, CNR Associé Escherichia coli, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert-Debré Paris, France ; Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution, UMR 1137, INSERM Paris, France ; Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution, UMR 1137, Université Paris Diderot - Sorbonne Paris Cité Paris, France
| | - Michèle Gourmelon
- Laboratoire Santé Environnement et Microbiologie, Unité Santé, Génétique et Microbiologie des Mollusques, Département Ressources Biologiques et Environnement, Ifremer Plouzané, France
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Titilawo Y, Obi L, Okoh A. Occurrence of virulence gene signatures associated with diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic pathovars of Escherichia coli isolates from some selected rivers in South-Western Nigeria. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:204. [PMID: 26449767 PMCID: PMC4599032 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrhoeal diseases are attributable to unsafe water stemming from improper sanitation and hygiene and are reportedly responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality particularly among children in developed and developing countries. METHODS Water samples from selected rivers in Osun State, South-Western Nigeria were collected and analyzed using standard procedures. Escherichia coli isolates (n=300) were screened for 10 virulence genes using polymerase chain reaction for pathotyping. RESULTS While the virulence gene (VG) lt for enterotoxigenic E. coli had the highest prevalence of 45%, the enteropathogenic E. coli genes eae and bfp were detected in 6 and 4% of the isolates respectively. The VGs stx1 and stx2 specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli pathotypes were detected in 7 and 1% of the isolates respectively. Also, the VG eagg harboured by enteroaggregative pathotype and diffusely-adherent E. coli VG daaE were detected in 2 and 4% of the isolates respectively and enteroinvasive E. coli VG ipaH was not detected. In addition, the VGs papC for uropathogenic and ibeA for neonatal meningitis were frequently detected in 19 and 3% of isolates respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal the presence of diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic E. coli in the selected rivers and a potential public health risk as the rivers are important resources for domestic, recreational and livelihood usage by their host communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinka Titilawo
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa. .,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
| | - Larry Obi
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa. .,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
| | - Anthony Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa. .,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
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Gomi R, Matsuda T, Fujimori Y, Harada H, Matsui Y, Yoneda M. Characterization of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in River Water by Simultaneous Detection and Sequencing of 14 Virulence Genes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:6800-6807. [PMID: 25919763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of pathogenic Escherichia coli in environmental waters increases the risk of waterborne disease. In this study, 14 virulence genes in 669 E. coli isolates (549 isolates from the Yamato River in Japan, and 30 isolates from each of the following hosts: humans, cows, pigs, and chickens) were simultaneously quantified by multiplex PCR and dual index sequencing to determine the prevalence of potentially pathogenic E. coli. Among the 549 environmental isolates, 64 (12%) were classified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) while eight (1.5%) were classified as intestinal pathogenic E. coli (InPEC). Only ExPEC-associated genes were detected in human isolates and pig isolates, and 11 (37%) and five (17%) isolates were classified as ExPEC, respectively. A high proportion (63%) of cow isolates possessed Shiga-toxin genes (stx1 or stx2) and they were classified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) or enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Among the chicken isolates, 14 (47%) possessed iutA, which is an ExPEC-associated gene. This method can determine the sequences as well as the presence/absence of virulence genes. By comparing the sequences of virulence genes, we determined that sequences of iutA were different among sources and may be useful for discriminating isolates, although further studies including larger numbers of isolates are needed. Results indicate that humans are a likely source of ExPEC strains in the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Gomi
- †Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, 615-8540, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonari Matsuda
- ‡Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yuji Fujimori
- §Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidenori Harada
- §Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuto Matsui
- †Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, 615-8540, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoneda
- †Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, 615-8540, Kyoto, Japan
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Impact of UV and peracetic acid disinfection on the prevalence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli in wastewater effluents. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 80:3656-66. [PMID: 24727265 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00418-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater discharges may increase the populations of pathogens, including Escherichia coli, and of antimicrobial-resistant strains in receiving waters. This study investigated the impact of UV and peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection on the prevalence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the most abundant E. coli pathotype in municipal wastewaters. Laboratory disinfection experiments were conducted on wastewater treated by physicochemical, activated sludge, or biofiltration processes; 1,766 E. coli isolates were obtained for the evaluation. The target disinfection level was 200 CFU/100 ml, resulting in UV and PAA doses of 7 to 30 mJ/cm(2) and 0.9 to 2.0 mg/liter, respectively. The proportions of UPECs were reduced in all samples after disinfection, with an average reduction by UV of 55% (range, 22% to 80%) and by PAA of 52% (range, 11% to 100%). Analysis of urovirulence genes revealed that the decline in the UPEC populations was not associated with any particular virulence factor. A positive association was found between the occurrence of urovirulence and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). However, the changes in the prevalence of ARGs in potential UPECs were different following disinfection, i.e., UV appears to have had no effect, while PAA significantly reduced the ARG levels. Thus, this study showed that both UV and PAA disinfections reduced the proportion of UPECs and that PAA disinfection also reduced the proportion of antimicrobial resistance gene-carrying UPEC pathotypes in municipal wastewaters.
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de Castro Stoppe N, Silva JS, Torres TT, Carlos C, Hachich EM, Sato MIZ, Saraiva AM, Ottoboni LMM. Clustering of water bodies in unpolluted and polluted environments based on Escherichia coli phylogroup abundance using a simple interaction database. Genet Mol Biol 2014; 37:694-701. [PMID: 25505844 PMCID: PMC4261969 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572014005000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different types of water bodies, including lakes, streams, and coastal marine waters, are often susceptible to fecal contamination from a range of point and nonpoint sources, and have been evaluated using fecal indicator microorganisms. The most commonly used fecal indicator is Escherichia coli, but traditional cultivation methods do not allow discrimination of the source of pollution. The use of triplex PCR offers an approach that is fast and inexpensive, and here enabled the identification of phylogroups. The phylogenetic distribution of E. coli subgroups isolated from water samples revealed higher frequencies of subgroups A1 and B23 in rivers impacted by human pollution sources, while subgroups D1 and D2 were associated with pristine sites, and subgroup B1 with domesticated animal sources, suggesting their use as a first screening for pollution source identification. A simple classification is also proposed based on phylogenetic subgroup distribution using the w-clique metric, enabling differentiation of polluted and unpolluted sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy de Castro Stoppe
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética , Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Campinas, SP , Brazil . ; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Computação , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil
| | - Juliana Saragiotto Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Computação , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil . ; Instituto Federal de Educação , Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso , Cuiabá, MT , Brazil
| | - Tatiana Teixeira Torres
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Computação , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil . ; Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva , Instituto de Biociências , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil
| | - Camila Carlos
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética , Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Campinas, SP , Brazil
| | - Elayse Maria Hachich
- Departamento de Análises Ambientais , Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental , São Paulo, SP , Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Departamento de Análises Ambientais , Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental , São Paulo, SP , Brazil
| | - Antonio Mauro Saraiva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Computação , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil . ; Departamento de Engenharia de Computação e Sistemas Digitais , Escola Politécnica , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brazil
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Whitman R, Harwood VJ, Edge TA, Nevers M, Byappanahalli M, Vijayavel K, Brandão J, Sadowsky MJ, Alm EW, Crowe A, Ferguson D, Ge Z, Halliday E, Kinzelman J, Kleinheinz G, Przybyla-Kelly K, Staley C, Staley Z, Solo-Gabriele HM. Microbes in Beach Sands: Integrating Environment, Ecology and Public Health. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2014; 13:329-368. [PMID: 25383070 PMCID: PMC4219924 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-014-9340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand environments belie the thriving communities found there. Physical factors, such as water availability and protection from insolation; biological factors, such as competition, predation, and biofilm formation; and nutrient availability all contribute to the characteristics of the micropsammon. Sand microbial communities include autochthonous species/phylotypes indigenous to the environment. Allochthonous microbes, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and waterborne pathogens, are deposited via waves, runoff, air, or animals. The fate of these microbes ranges from death, to transient persistence and/or replication, to establishment of thriving populations (naturalization) and integration in the autochthonous community. Transport of the micropsammon within the habitat occurs both horizontally across the beach, and vertically from the sand surface and ground water table, as well as at various scales including interstitial flow within sand pores, sediment transport for particle-associated microbes, and the large-scale processes of wave action and terrestrial runoff. The concept of beach sand as a microbial habitat and reservoir of FIB and pathogens has begun to influence our thinking about human health effects associated with sand exposure and recreational water use. A variety of pathogens have been reported from beach sands, and recent epidemiology studies have found some evidence of health risks associated with sand exposure. Persistent or replicating populations of FIB and enteric pathogens have consequences for watershed/beach management strategies and regulatory standards for safe beaches. This review summarizes our understanding of the community structure, ecology, fate, transport, and public health implications of microbes in beach sand. It concludes with recommendations for future work in this vastly under-studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, SCA 110, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Meredith Nevers
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Muruleedhara Byappanahalli
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Kannappan Vijayavel
- Environmental Health Division, Ottawa County Health Department, 12251 James Street, Suite 200, Holland, MI, 49424, USA
- Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan, 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909. USA
| | - João Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael J. Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wheeler Alm
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Allan Crowe
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Donna Ferguson
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Zhongfu Ge
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | | | - Julie Kinzelman
- Department of Public Health, City of Racine, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 109, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - Greg Kleinheinz
- Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
| | - Kasia Przybyla-Kelly
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Christopher Staley
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Zachery Staley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Building Room 252, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA and, Oceans and Human Health Center, University of Miami Rosenstiel, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
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Ahmad A, Dada AC, Usup G, Heng LY. Occurrence of Enterococcus species with virulence markers in an urban flow-influenced tropical recreational beach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 82:26-38. [PMID: 24725825 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Median enterococci counts of beach water samples gradually increased at statistically significant levels (χ2: 26.53, df: 4; p<0.0001) with increasing proximity to river influx. The difference in proportion of antibiotic resistant enterococci in beach water and river water samples was statistically significant (p<0.05) for the tested antibiotics with river isolates generally presenting higher resistance frequencies. Virulence genes cyl, esp, gelE and asa were detected at varying frequencies (7.32%, 21.95%, 100% and 63.41% respectively) among river isolates. On the other hand, the prevalence of these genes was lower (0%, 20%, 67.27% and 41.82% respectively) among beach water isolates. Multi-Locus-Sequence-Typing analysis of Enterococcus faecalis presented four sequence types (ST) one of which shared six out of seven tested loci with ST6, a member of the clonal complex of multi-drug resistant strains associated with hospital outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ahmad
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia.
| | - Ayokunle Christopher Dada
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awlowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
| | - Gires Usup
- School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Lee Yook Heng
- School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia
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Charnock C, Nordlie AL, Hjeltnes B. Toxin production and antibiotic resistances in Escherichia coli isolated from bathing areas along the coastline of the Oslo fjord. Curr Microbiol 2014; 69:317-28. [PMID: 24801333 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-014-0587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The presence of enterovirulent and/or antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli in recreational bathing waters would represent a clear health issue. In total, 144 E. coli isolated from 26 beaches along the inner Oslo fjord were examined for virulence determinants and resistance to clinically important antibiotics. No isolates possessed the genetic determinants associated with enterotoxigenic strains and none showed the prototypic sorbitol negative, O157:H7 phenotype. A small number (∼1 %) produced alpha-hemolysin. Occurrences and patterns of antibiotic resistances were similar to those of E. coli isolated previously from environmental samples. In total, 6 % of the strains showed one or more clinically relevant resistances and 1.4 % were multi-drug resistant. Microarray analyses suggested that the resistance determinants were generally associated with mobile genetic elements. Resistant strains were not clonally related, and were, furthermore not concentrated at one or a few beach sites. This suggests that these strains are entering the waters at a low rate but in a widespread manner. The study demonstrates that resistant E. coli are present in coastal bathing waters where they can come into contact with bathers, and that the resistance determinants are potentially transferable. Some of the resistances registered in the study are to important antibiotics used in human medicine such as fluoroquinolones. The spread of antibiotic resistant genes, from the clinical setting to the environment, has clear implications with respect to the current management of bacterial infections and the long term value of antimicrobial therapy. The present study is the first of its kind in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Charnock
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, St. Olavs Plass, Oslo, Norway,
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Ishii S, Nakamura T, Ozawa S, Kobayashi A, Sano D, Okabe S. Water quality monitoring and risk assessment by simultaneous multipathogen quantification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:4744-9. [PMID: 24702133 DOI: 10.1021/es500578s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Water quality monitoring and microbial risk assessment are important to ensure safe water for drinking, recreational, and agricultural purposes. In this study, we applied a microfluidic quantitative PCR (MFQPCR) approach to simultaneously quantify multiple waterborne pathogens in a natural freshwater lake in Hokkaido, Japan, from April to November, 2012. Tens of thousands of geese stopped over at this lake during their migration in spring and fall. Because lake water is used for irrigation of the surrounding agricultural area, we assessed infection risks through irrigation water usage based on pathogen concentrations directly measured by MFQPCR. We detected various pathogens in the lake water, particularly during the bird migration seasons, suggesting that migratory birds were the main source of the pathogens. However, neither counts of geese nor fecal indicator bacteria were good predictors of pathogen concentrations. On the basis of quantitative microbial risk assessment, concentrations of Campylobacter jejuni and Shigella spp. in water samples were above the concentrations that can potentially cause 10(-4) infections per person per year when water is used to grow fresh vegetables. These results suggest that direct and simultaneous multipathogen quantification can provide more reliable and comprehensive information for risk assessment than the current fecal indicator-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ishii
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University , Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
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Vignaroli C, Luna GM, Pasquaroli S, Di Cesare A, Petruzzella R, Paroncini P, Biavasco F. Epidemic Escherichia coli ST131 and Enterococcus faecium ST17 in coastal marine sediments from an Italian beach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:13772-13780. [PMID: 24195439 DOI: 10.1021/es4019139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used worldwide to assess water quality in coastal environments, but little is known about their genetic diversity and pathogenicity. This study examines the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and genetic diversity of FIB isolated from marine sediments from a central Adriatic seaside resort. FIB, recovered from 6 out of 7 sites, were significantly more abundant at sampling stations 300 m offshore than close to the shore. Escherichia coli accounted for 34.5% of fecal coliforms, and Enterococcus faecalis accounted for 32% of enterococci. Most isolates (27% of E. coli and 22% of enterococci) were recovered from the sediments that had the highest organic content. Multidrug-resistant E. coli (31%) and enterococci (22%) were found at nearly all sites, whereas 34.5% of E. coli and 28% of enterococci harboring multiple virulence factors were recovered from just two sites. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing showed wide genetic diversity among isolates. Human epidemic clones ( E. coli ST131 and Enterococcus faecium ST17) were identified for the first time by multilocus sequence typing in an area where bathing had not been prohibited. These clones were from sites far removed from riverine inputs, suggesting a wide diffusion of pathogenic FIB in the coastal environment and a high public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vignaroli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche , via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Anastasi EM, Wohlsen TD, Stratton HM, Katouli M. Survival of Escherichia coli in two sewage treatment plants using UV irradiation and chlorination for disinfection. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:6670-6679. [PMID: 24091189 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the survival of Escherichia coli in two STPs utilising UV irradiation (STP-A) or chlorination (STP-B) for disinfection. In all, 370 E. coli strains isolated from raw influent sewage (IS), secondary treated effluent (STE) and effluent after the disinfection processes of both STPs were typed using a high resolution biochemical fingerprinting method and were grouped into common (C-) and single (S-) biochemical phenotypes (BPTs). In STP-A, 83 BPTs comprising 123 isolates were found in IS and STE, of which 7 BPTs survived UV irradiation. Isolates tested from the same sites of STP-B (n = 220) comprised 122 BPTs, however, only two BPTs were found post-chlorination. A representative isolate from each BPT from both STPs was tested for the presence of 11 virulence genes (VGs) associated with uropathogenic (UPEC) or intestinal pathogenic (IPEC) E. coli strains. Strains surviving UV irradiation were distributed among seven phylogenetic groups with five BPTs carrying VGs associated with either UPEC (4 BPTs) or IPEC (1 BPT). In contrast, E. coli strains found in STP-B carried no VGs. Strains from both STPs were resistant to up to 12 out of the 21 antibiotics tested but there was no significant difference between the numbers of antibiotics to which surviving strains were resistant to in these STPs. Our data suggests that some E. coli strains have a better ability to survive STPs utilising chlorination and UV irradiation for disinfection. However, strains that survive UV irradiation are more diverse and may carry more VGs than those surviving SPTs using chlorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Anastasi
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Queensland, Australia; Smart Water Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia
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Estimating the prevalence of potential enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and intimin gene diversity in a human community by monitoring sanitary sewage. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 80:119-27. [PMID: 24141131 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02747-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Presently, the understanding of bacterial enteric diseases in the community and their virulence factors relies almost exclusively on clinical disease reporting and examination of clinical pathogen isolates. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an alternative approach that monitors potential enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) prevalence and intimin gene (eae) diversity in a community by directly quantifying and characterizing target virulence genes in the sanitary sewage. The quantitative PCR (qPCR) quantification of the eae, stx1, and stx2 genes in sanitary sewage samples collected over a 13-month period detected eae in all 13 monthly sewage samples at significantly higher abundance (93 to 7,240 calibrator cell equivalents [CCE]/100 ml) than stx1 and stx2, which were detected sporadically. The prevalence level of potential EPEC in the sanitary sewage was estimated by calculating the ratio of eae to uidA, which averaged 1.0% (σ = 0.4%) over the 13-month period. Cloning and sequencing of the eae gene directly from the sewage samples covered the majority of the eae diversity in the sewage and detected 17 unique eae alleles belonging to 14 subtypes. Among them, eae-β2 was identified to be the most prevalent subtype in the sewage, with the highest detection frequency in the clone libraries (41.2%) and within the different sampling months (85.7%). Additionally, sewage and environmental E. coli isolates were also obtained and used to determine the detection frequencies of the virulence genes as well as eae genetic diversity for comparison.
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Diallo AA, Brugère H, Kérourédan M, Dupouy V, Toutain PL, Bousquet-Mélou A, Oswald E, Bibbal D. Persistence and prevalence of pathogenic and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in municipal wastewater treatment plant receiving slaughterhouse wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:4719-4729. [PMID: 23774186 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We compared the prevalence of pathogenic and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) - producing Escherichia coli in effluents of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) receiving wastewater from a slaughterhouse. A total of 1248 isolates were screened for the presence of virulence genes associated with enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (stx1, stx2, and eae) and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) (sfa/focDE, kpsMT K1, hlyA, papEF, afa/draBC, clbN, f17A and cnf). The prevalence of atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) was 0.7%, 0.2% and 0.5% in city wastewater, slaughterhouse wastewater and in the treated effluent, respectively. One stx1a and stx2b-positive E. coli isolate was detected in city wastewater. The prevalence of ExPEC was significantly higher in city wastewater (8.4%), compared to slaughterhouse wastewater (1.2%). Treatment in the WWTP did not significantly impact the prevalence of ExPEC in the outlet effluent (5.0%) compared to city wastewater. Moreover, the most potentially pathogenic ExPEC were isolated from city wastewater and from the treated effluent. ESBL-producing E. coli was also mainly detected in city wastewater (1.7%), compared to slaughterhouse wastewater (0.2%), and treated effluent (0.2%). One ESBL-producing E. coli, isolated from city wastewater, was eae-β1 positive. These results showed that pathogenic and/or ESBL-producing E. coli were mainly detected in human wastewater, and at a lesser extend in animal wastewater. Treatment failed to eliminate these strains which were discharged into the river, and then these strains could be transmitted to animals and humans via the environment.
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Simultaneous quantification of multiple food- and waterborne pathogens by use of microfluidic quantitative PCR. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:2891-8. [PMID: 23435884 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00205-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The direct quantification of multiple pathogens has been desired for diagnostic and public health purposes for a long time. In this study, we applied microfluidic quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology to the simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple food- and waterborne pathogens. In this system, multiple singleplex qPCR assays were run under identical detection conditions in nanoliter-volume chambers that are present in high densities on a chip. First, we developed 18 TaqMan qPCR assays that could be run in the same PCR conditions by using prevalidated TaqMan probes. Specific and sensitive quantification was achieved by using these qPCR assays. With the addition of two previously validated TaqMan qPCR assays, we used 20 qPCR assays targeting 10 enteric pathogens, a fecal indicator bacterium (general Escherichia coli), and a process control strain in the microfluidic qPCR system. We preamplified the template DNA to increase the sensitivity of the qPCR assays. Our results suggested that preamplification was effective for quantifying small amounts of the template DNA without any major impact on the sensitivity, efficiency, and quantitative performance of qPCR. This microfluidic qPCR system allowed us to detect and quantify multiple pathogens from fecal samples and environmental water samples spiked with pathogens at levels as low as 100 cells/liter. These results suggest that the routine monitoring of multiple pathogens in food and water samples is now technically feasible. This method may provide more reliable information for risk assessment than the current fecal contamination indicator approach.
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Frigon D, Biswal BK, Mazza A, Masson L, Gehr R. Biological and physicochemical wastewater treatment processes reduce the prevalence of virulent Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:835-44. [PMID: 23160132 PMCID: PMC3568565 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02789-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Effluents discharged from wastewater treatment plants are possible sources of pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, in the freshwater environment, and determining the possible selection of pathogens is important. This study evaluated the impact of activated sludge and physicochemical wastewater treatment processes on the prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli. A total of 719 E. coli isolates collected from four municipal plants in Québec before and after treatment were characterized by using a customized DNA microarray to determine the impact of treatment processes on the frequency of specific pathotypes and virulence genes. The percentages of potentially pathogenic E. coli isolates in the plant influents varied between 26 and 51%, and in the effluents, the percentages were 14 to 31%, for a reduction observed at all plants ranging between 14 and 45%. Pathotypes associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) were the most abundant at three of the four plants and represented 24% of all isolates, while intestinal pathogenic E. coli pathotypes (IPEC) represented 10% of the isolates. At the plant where ExPEC isolates were not the most abundant, a large number of isolates were classified as both ExPEC and IPEC; overall, 6% of the isolates were classified in both groups, with the majority being from the same plant. The reduction of the proportion of pathogenic E. coli could not be explained by the preferential loss of one virulence gene or one type of virulence factor; however, the quinolone resistance gene (qnrS) appears to enhance the loss of virulence genes, suggesting a mechanism involving the loss of pathogenicity islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Frigon
- Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Duris JW, Reif AG, Krouse DA, Isaacs NM. Factors related to occurrence and distribution of selected bacterial and protozoan pathogens in Pennsylvania streams. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:300-314. [PMID: 23149151 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and distribution of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and bacterial and protozoan pathogens are controlled by diverse factors. To investigate these factors in Pennsylvania streams, 217 samples were collected quarterly from a 27-station water-quality monitoring network from July 2007 through August 2009. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of Escherichia coli (EC) and enterococci (ENT) indicator bacteria, concentrations of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts, and the presence of four genes related to pathogenic types of EC (eaeA, stx2, stx1, rfb(O157)) plus three microbial source tracking (MST) gene markers that are also associated with pathogenic ENT and EC (esp, LTIIa, STII). Water samples were concurrently analyzed for basic water chemistry, physical measures of water quality, nutrients, metals, and a suite of 79 organic compounds that included hormones, pharmaceuticals, and antibiotics. For each sample location, stream discharge was measured by using standardized methods at the time of sample collection, and ancillary sample site information, such as land use and geological characteristics, was compiled. Samples exceeding recreational water quality criteria were more likely to contain all measured pathogen genes but not Cryptosporidium or Giardia (oo)cysts. FIB and Giardia density and frequency of eaeA gene occurrence were significantly related to season. When discharge at a sampling location was high (>75th percentile of daily mean discharge), there were greater densities of FIB and Giardia, and the stx2, rfb(O157), STII, and esp genes were found more frequently than at other discharge conditions. Giardia occurrence was likely related to nonpoint sources, which are highly influential during seasonal overland transport resulting from snowmelt and elevated precipitation in late winter and spring in Pennsylvania. When MST markers of human, swine, or bovine origin were present, samples more frequently carried the eaeA, stx2, stx1, and rfb(O157) genes, but no genes were related exclusively to an individual MST marker. The human source pharmaceuticals (HSPs) acetaminophen and caffeine were correlated with Giardia, and the presence of HSPs proved to be more useful than MST markers in distinguishing the occurrence of Giardia. The HSPs caffeine and carbamazepine were correlated with the sum total of pathogen genes detected in a sample, demonstrating the value of using HSPs as an indicator of fecally derived pathogens. Sites influenced by urban land use with less forest were more likely to have greater FIB and Giardia densities and sum of the array of pathogen genes. Sites dominated by shallow carbonate bedrock in the upstream catchment were likely to have greater FIB densities and higher sum totals of pathogen genes but no correlation with Giardia detection. Our study provides a range of specific environmental, chemical, geologic, and land-use variables related to occurrence and distribution of FIB and selected bacterial and protozoan pathogens in Pennsylvania streams. The information presented could be useful for resource managers in understanding bacterial and protozoan pathogen occurrence and their relation to fecal indicator bacteria in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Duris
- US Geological Survey Michigan Water Science Center, Lansing, MI 48911, USA.
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Occurrence of virulence genes associated with Diarrheagenic pathotypes in Escherichia coli isolates from surface water. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 79:328-35. [PMID: 23124225 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02888-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli isolates (n = 300) collected from six sites in subtropical Brisbane, Australia, prior to and after storm events were tested for the presence of 11 virulence genes (VGs) specific to diarrheagenic pathotypes. The presence of eaeA, stx(1), stx(2), and ehxA genes specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) pathotype was detected in 56%, 6%, 10%, and 13% of isolates, respectively. The VGs astA (69%) and aggR (29%), carried by enteroaggregative (EAEC) pathotypes, were frequently detected in E. coli isolates. The enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) gene bfp was detected in 24% of isolates. In addition, enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) VG ipaH was also detected in 14% of isolates. During dry periods, isolates belonging to the EAEC pathotype were most commonly detected (23%), followed by EHEC (11%) and EPEC (11%). Conversely, a more uniform prevalence of pathotypes, EPEC (14%), EAEC (12%), EIEC (10%), EHEC (7%), and ETEC (7%), was observed after the storm events. The results of this study highlight the widespread occurrence of potentially diarrheagenic pathotypes in the urban aquatic ecosystems. While the presence of VGs in E. coli isolates alone is insufficient to determine pathogenicity, the presence of diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes in high frequency after the storm events could lead to increased health risks if untreated storm water were to be used for nonpotable purposes and recreational activities.
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Pathogenic Escherichia coli found in sewage treatment plants and environmental waters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5536-41. [PMID: 22660714 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00657-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that some Escherichia coli strains with uropathogenic properties survived treatment stages of sewage treatment plants (STPs), suggesting that they may be released into the environment. We investigated the presence of such strains in the surrounding environmental waters of four STPs from which these persistent strains were isolated. In all, 264 E. coli isolates were collected from 129 receiving water sites in a 20-km radius surrounding STPs. We also included 93 E. coli strains collected from 18 animal species for comparison. Isolates were typed using a high-resolution biochemical fingerprinting method (the PhPlate system), and grouped into common (C) types. One hundred forty-seven (56%) environmental isolates were identical to strains found in STPs' final effluents. Of these, 140 (95%) carried virulence genes (VGs) associated with intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC) or uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and were found in a variety of sites within areas sampled. Of the remaining 117 environmental strains not identical to STP strains, 105 belonged to 18 C types and 102 of them carried VGs found among IPEC or UPEC strains. These strains belonged mainly to phylogenetic groups A (A0 and A1) and B1 and to a lesser extent B2(2), B2(3), D1, and D2. Eight of 18 environmental C types, comprising 50 isolates, were also identical to bird strains. The presence of a high percentage of environmental E. coli in waters near STPs carrying VGs associated with IPEC and UPEC suggests that they may have derived from STP effluents and other nonpoint sources.
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Casas V, Maloy S. Role of bacteriophage-encoded exotoxins in the evolution of bacterial pathogens. Future Microbiol 2012; 6:1461-73. [PMID: 22122442 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in metagenomics research have generated a bounty of information that provides insight into the dynamic genetic exchange occurring between bacteriophage (phage) and their bacterial hosts. Metagenomic studies of the microbiomes from a variety of environments have shown that many of the genes sequenced are of phage origin. Among these genes are phage-encoded exotoxin genes. When phage that carry these genes infect an appropriate bacterial host, the bacterium undergoes lysogenic conversion, converting the bacterium from an avirulent strain to a pathogen that can cause human disease. Transfer of the exotoxin genes between bacteria has been shown to occur in marine environments, animal and human intestines and sewage treatment plants. Surprisingly, phage that encode exotoxin genes are commonly found in environments that lack the cognate bacteria commonly associated with the specific toxin-mediated disease and have been found to be associated with alternative environmental bacterial hosts. These findings suggest that the exotoxin genes may play a beneficial role for the bacterial host in nature, and that this environmental reservoir of exotoxin genes may play a role in the evolution of new bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Casas
- Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
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Masters N, Wiegand A, Ahmed W, Katouli M. Escherichia coli virulence genes profile of surface waters as an indicator of water quality. WATER RESEARCH 2011; 45:6321-6333. [PMID: 21982678 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We compared the presence of 58 known virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli strains causing intestinal (InPEC) and extra-intestinal (ExPEC) infections in three estuarine, four brackish and 13 freshwater sites during the dry and wet seasons. The most common VGs observed in water samples during the dry season belonged to ExPEC (traT; 80% and ompA; 70%) whilst east1 (70%) gene was the most common among InPEC. More types of VGs were observed in water samples during wet season and included those found among InPEC (e.g. eaeA; 100%; fyuA, 90%; paa, 65%; cdt, 60%; and stx(2), 60%) and ExPEC (e.g. iroN(E.coli), 90%; iss, 90% and kpsMTII, 80%). Eight VGs were found exclusively in the wet season, of which four were found in all three water types indicating their association with storm-water run off. The number of VGs associated with ExPEC were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in only brackish and estuarine waters during the wet season compared to the dry season. There was no correlation between the number of E. coli and the presence of VGs in any of the water types in both seasons but we found similarities in VG profiles of sites with similar land uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Masters
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
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Cook KL, Bolster CH, Ayers KA, Reynolds DN. Escherichia coli Diversity in Livestock Manures and Agriculturally Impacted Stream Waters. Curr Microbiol 2011; 63:439-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-011-0002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Occurrence of intestinal and extraintestinal virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from rainwater tanks in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:7394-400. [PMID: 21873477 DOI: 10.1128/aem.06047-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, 200 Escherichia coli isolates from 22 rainwater tank samples in Southeast Queensland, Australia, were tested for the presence of 20 virulence genes (VGs) associated with intestinal and extraintestinal pathotypes. In addition, E. coli isolates were also classified into phylogenetic groups based on the detection of the chuA, yjaA, and TSPE4.C2 genes. Of the 22 rainwater tanks, 8 (36%) and 5 (23%) were positive for the eaeA (belonging to enteropathogenic E. coli [EPEC] and Shiga-toxigenic E. coli [STEC]) and ST1 (belonging to enterotoxigenic E. coli [ETEC]) genes, respectively. VGs (cdtB, cvaC, ibeA, kpsMT allele III, PAI, papAH, and traT) belonging to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) were detected in 15 (68%) of the 22 rainwater tanks. Of the 22 samples, 17 (77%) and 11 (50%) contained E. coli belonging to phylogenetic groups A and B1, respectively. Similarly, 10 (45%) and 16 (72%) contained E. coli belonging to phylogenetic groups B2 and D, respectively. Of the 96 of the 200 strains from 22 tanks that were VG positive, 40 (42%) were carrying a single VG, 36 (37.5%) were carrying two VGs, 17 (18%) were carrying three VGs, and 3 (3%) had four or more VGs. This study reports the presence of multiple VGs in E. coli strains belonging to the STEC, EPEC, ETEC, and ExPEC pathotypes in rainwater tanks. The public health risks associated with potentially clinically significant E. coli in rainwater tanks should be assessed, as the water is used for drinking and other, nonpotable purposes. It is recommended that rainwater be disinfected using effective treatment procedures such as filtration, UV disinfection, or simply boiling prior to drinking.
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Top-down proteomic identification of furin-cleaved α-subunit of Shiga toxin 2 from Escherichia coli O157:H7 using MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS/MS. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2010:123460. [PMID: 21331368 PMCID: PMC3038467 DOI: 10.1155/2010/123460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A method has been developed to identify the α-subunit of Shiga toxin 2 (α-Stx2) from Escherichia coli O157:H7 using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS/MS) and top-down proteomics using web-based software developed in-house. Expression of Stx2 was induced by culturing E. coli O157:H7 on solid agar supplemented with an antibiotic that elicits the bacterial SOS-response. Bacterial cell lysates were incubated in the presence of furin, a human enzyme, that cleaves α-Stx2 into A1 (~28 kDa) and A2 (~5 kDa) protein fragments. A subsequent disulfide reduction step unlinked A1 from A2. MALDI-TOF-MS of the furin-digested/disulfide-reduced sample showed a peak at mass-to-charge (m/z) 5286 that corresponded to the A2 fragment. No peak was observed that corresponded to the A1 fragment although its presence was confirmed by bottom-up proteomics. The peak at m/z 5286 was definitively identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS/MS and top-down proteomics as the A2 fragment of α-Stx2.
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