1
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Li N, Fan XY, Li X. Unveiling the characteristics of free-living and particle-associated antibiotic resistance genes associated with bacterial communities along different processes in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135194. [PMID: 39003808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as emerging contaminants, often co-occur with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and are prevalent in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). In this study, the characteristics of free-living (FL) and particle-associated (PA) ARGs associated with bacterial communities were investigated along two processes within a full-scale DWTP. A total of 13 ARGs and two MGEs were detected. FL-ARGs with diverse subtypes and PA-ARGs with high abundances displayed significantly different structures. PA-MGEs showed a strong positive correlation with PA-ARGs. Chlorine dioxide disinfection achieved 1.47-log reduction of FL-MGEs in process A and 0.24-log reduction of PA-MGEs in process B. Notably, PA-fraction virtually disappeared after treatment, while blaTEM, sul2, mexE, mexF and IntI1 of FL-fraction remained in the finished water. Moreover, Acinetobacter lwoffii (0.04 % ∼ 45.58 %) and Acinetobacter schindleri (0.00 % ∼ 18.54 %) dominated the 16 pathogens, which were more abundant in FL than PA bacterial communities. PA bacteria exhibited a more complex structure with more keystone species than FL bacteria. MGEs contributed 20.23 % and 19.31 % to the changes of FL-ARGs and PA-ARGs respectively, and water quality was a key driver (21.73 %) for PA-ARGs variation. This study provides novel insights into microbial risk control associated with size-fractionated ARGs in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- China Architecture Design and Research Group, Beijing 100044, PR China; Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Fan
- Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China.
| | - Xing Li
- Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
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2
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A Study on the Release Persistence of Microencapsulated Tea Tree Essential Oil in Hotel Hot Spring Water. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
To improve business performance and achieve sustainable development through the concept of hot spring resource reuse, this study investigated the antibacterial effect of alginate-coated tea tree essential oil microcapsules and the effect of alginate microcapsules on the release of tea tree essential oil. The results revealed that 450 μm alginate/tea tree essential oil microcapsules (containing 720 ppm of tea tree essential oil) prepared using microfluidic assemblies effectively inhibited total bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in hot spring water. For alginate/tea tree essential oil microcapsules prepared under different conditions, at a fixed concentration of cross-linking reagents, the release time increased with the cross-linking time (10 min > 5 min > 1 min). At a fixed cross-linking time, the release time increased with the concentrations of cross-linking reagents (1 M > 0.5 M > 0.1 M). When the concentrations of cross-linking reagents and the cross-linking time were the same, the release time of cross-linking reagents increased with the strength of metal activity (Ca > Zn).
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3
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Pereira A, Silva AR, Melo LF. Legionella and Biofilms-Integrated Surveillance to Bridge Science and Real-Field Demands. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061212. [PMID: 34205095 PMCID: PMC8228026 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella is responsible for the life-threatening pneumonia commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease or legionellosis. Legionellosis is known to be preventable if proper measures are put into practice. Despite the efforts to improve preventive approaches, Legionella control remains one of the most challenging issues in the water treatment industry. Legionellosis incidence is on the rise and is expected to keep increasing as global challenges become a reality. This puts great emphasis on prevention, which must be grounded in strengthened Legionella management practices. Herein, an overview of field-based studies (the system as a test rig) is provided to unravel the common roots of research and the main contributions to Legionella’s understanding. The perpetuation of a water-focused monitoring approach and the importance of protozoa and biofilms will then be discussed as bottom-line questions for reliable Legionella real-field surveillance. Finally, an integrated monitoring model is proposed to study and control Legionella in water systems by combining discrete and continuous information about water and biofilm. Although the successful implementation of such a model requires a broader discussion across the scientific community and practitioners, this might be a starting point to build more consistent Legionella management strategies that can effectively mitigate legionellosis risks by reinforcing a pro-active Legionella prevention philosophy.
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Xue J, Zhang B, Lamori J, Shah K, Zabaleta J, Garai J, Taylor CM, Sherchan SP. Molecular detection of opportunistic pathogens and insights into microbial diversity in private well water and premise plumbing. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:820-834. [PMID: 33095203 PMCID: PMC9115838 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Private well water systems in rural areas that are improperly maintained will result in poor drinking water quality, loss of water supply, and pose human health risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and opportunistic pathogens in private well water in rural areas surrounding New Orleans, Louisiana. Our results confirmed the ubiquitous nature of Legionella (86.7%) and mycobacteria (68.1%) in private well water in the study area, with gene concentration ranged from 0.60 to 5.53 and 0.67 to 5.95 Log10 of GC/100 mL, respectively. Naegleria fowleri target sequence was detected in 16.8% and Escherichia coli was detected in 43.4% of the water samples. Total coliform, as well as Legionella and mycobacteria genetic markers' concentrations were significantly reduced by 3-minute flushing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data indicated that the abundance of bacterial species was significantly increased in water collected in kitchens compared with samples from wells directly. This study provided integrated knowledge on the persistence of pathogenic organisms in private well water. Further study is needed to explore the presence of clinical species of those opportunistic pathogens in private well water systems to elucidate the health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 47306, USA
| | - Jennifer Lamori
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Kinjal Shah
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA E-mail:
| | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Pediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Jone Garai
- Department of Pediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Christopher M Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA E-mail:
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5
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Khaledi A, Bahrami A, Nabizadeh E, Amini Y, Esmaeili D. Prevalence of Legionella Species in Water Resources of Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 43:571-580. [PMID: 30510333 PMCID: PMC6230937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionella species are ubiquitous and naturally found in lakes, rivers, streams and hot springs, and other water resources. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Legionella species in water resources of Iran by a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS In search of papers relevant to the prevalence of Legionella in water resources of Iran, the scientific information database in both English and Persian languages was used. The search was limited to studies between the year 2000 and end of July 2016. Each cohort and cross-sectional study that reported the contamination of water with Legionella was included in the present study. For data analysis, comprehensive meta-analysis software with Cochran's Q and I2 tests were used. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The prevalence of Legionella species in water resources of Iran was 27.3% (95% CI: 25.3-29.3). The prevalence of Legionella spp. in hospital water, dental settings water, and other water resources were 28.8% (95% CI: 26.4-31.2), 23.6% (95% CI: 16.1-33.2), and 29.6% (95% CI: 25.6-33.8), respectively. The most common Legionella species was L. pneumophila with a prevalence of 60.5% (95% CI: 53.3-67.2) and the prevalence of all other species was 52.5% (95% CI: 44.7-60.2). The highest prevalence was reported in Isfahan with 55.7% (95% CI: 48.0-63.0). CONCLUSION Based on the results, the prevalence rate of Legionella species in water resources of Iran was high and the most common Legionella species was L. pneumophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azad Khaledi
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Science, Kashan, Iran,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Science, Kashan, Iran
| | - Afsane Bahrami
- Cellular and Molecular Research
Center, Birjand University of Medical
Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Edris Nabizadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of
Medicine, Uremia University of Medical
Sciences, Uremia, Iran
| | - Yousef Amini
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Research Center, Zahedan University of
Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Davoud Esmaeili
- Applied Microbiology Research Center,
Systems Biology and Poisonings
Institute, Baqiyatallah University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,Department of Microbiology,
Baqiyatallah University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Applied Virology Research Center,
Baqiyatallah University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Legionella and risk management in hospitals—A bibliographic research methodology for people responsible for built environment and facility management. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:890-897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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7
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Ghanizadeh G, Mirmohamadlou A, Esmaeli D. Predictive parameters of Legionella pneumophila occurrence in hospital water: HPCs and plumbing system installation age. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:536. [PMID: 27573071 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5554-2] [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: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Occurrence of Legionella pneumophila can be relevant to the installation age and the presence of heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs). This research illustrates L. pneumophila contamination of hospital water in accordance with the installation age and the presence of HPCs. One hundred and fifty samples were collected from hot and cold water systems and cultured on R2A and BCYE agar. L. pneumophila identification was done via specific biochemical tests. HPCs and L. pneumophila were detected in 96 and 37.3 % of the samples, respectively. The mean of HPCs density was 947 ± 998 CFU/ml; therefore, 52 % of the samples had higher densities than 500 CFU/ml. High densities of HPCs (>500 CFU/ml) led to colonization of L. pneumophila (≥1000 CFU/ml), mainly observed in cooling systems, gynecological, sonography, and NICU wards. Chi(2) test demonstrated that higher densities (>500 CFU/ml) of HPCs and L. pneumophila contamination in cold water were more frequent than warm water (OR: 2.3 and 1.49, respectively). Univariate regressions implied a significant difference between HPCs density and installation age in positive and negative tests of L. pneumophila (OR = 1.1, p < 0.001, OR = 1.2, p < 0.001). Mann-Whitney U test implied the significant effects of HPCs and installation age on L. pneumophila occurrences (p < 0.001). Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression revealed significant differences between L. pneumophila and HPCs densities (r s = 0.33, p < 0.001 and ß = 0.11, p = 0.02), but nonsignificant difference with installation age (r s = 0.33, p < 0.001 and ß = 0.0, p = 0.91). The occurrence of L. pneumophila, HPCs, and installation age are relevant; so, plumbing system renovation with appropriate materials and promotion of the effective efforts for hospital's water quality assurance is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghader Ghanizadeh
- Environmental Health Department, Health School, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, South Sheykhbahaee Ave, Nosrat Alley, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Mirmohamadlou
- Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davoud Esmaeli
- Medical Bacteriology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Rakić A, Štambuk-Giljanović N. Physical and chemical parameter correlations with technical and technological characteristics of heating systems and the presence of Legionella spp. in the hot water supply. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:73. [PMID: 26733467 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-5047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Legionella spp. and compare the quality of hot water between four facilities for accommodation located in Southern Croatia (the Split-Dalmatian County). The research included data collection on the technical and technological characteristics in the period from 2009 to 2012. The survey included a type of construction material for the distribution and internal networks, heating system water heater type, and water consumption. Changes in water quality were monitored by determination of the physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, free chlorine residual concentrations, iron, zinc, copper and manganese) in the samples, as well as the presence and concentration of bacteria Legionella spp. The temperature is an important factor for the development of biofilms, and it is in negative correlation with the appearance of Legionella spp. Positive correlations between the Fe and Zn concentrations and Legionella spp. were established, while the inhibitory effect of a higher Cu concentration on the Legionella spp. concentration was proven. Legionella spp. were identified in 38/126 (30.2%) of the water samples from the heating system with zinc-coated pipes, as well as in 78/299 (26.1%) of the samples from systems with plastic pipes. A similar number of Legionella spp. positive samples were established regardless of the type of the water heating system (central or independent). The study confirms the necessity of regular microbial contamination monitoring of the drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Rakić
- Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatian County, Vukovarska 46, 21000, Split, Croatia.
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9
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Völker S, Schreiber C, Kistemann T. Modelling characteristics to predict Legionella contamination risk - Surveillance of drinking water plumbing systems and identification of risk areas. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2015; 219:101-9. [PMID: 26481275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
For the surveillance of drinking water plumbing systems (DWPS) and the identification of risk factors, there is a need for an early estimation of the risk of Legionella contamination within a building, using efficient and assessable parameters to estimate hazards and to prioritize risks. The precision, accuracy and effectiveness of ways of estimating the risk of higher Legionella numbers (temperature, stagnation, pipe materials, etc.) have only rarely been empirically assessed in practice, although there is a broad consensus about the impact of these risk factors. We collected n = 807 drinking water samples from 9 buildings which had had Legionella spp. occurrences of >100 CFU/100mL within the last 12 months, and tested for Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, HPC 20°C and 36°C (culture-based). Each building was sampled for 6 months under standard operating conditions in the DWPS. We discovered high variability (up to 4 log(10) steps) in the presence of Legionella spp. (CFU/100 mL) within all buildings over a half year period as well as over the course of a day. Occurrences were significantly correlated with temperature, pipe length measures, and stagnation. Logistic regression modelling revealed three parameters (temperature after flushing until no significant changes in temperatures can be obtained, stagnation (low withdrawal, qualitatively assessed), pipe length proportion) to be the best predictors of Legionella contamination (>100 CFU/100 mL) at single outlets (precision = 66.7%; accuracy = 72.1%; F(0.5) score = 0.59).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Völker
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christiane Schreiber
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kistemann
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany.
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10
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Shen SM, Chou MY, Hsu BM, Ji WT, Hsu TK, Tsai HF, Huang YL, Chiu YC, Kao ES, Kao PM, Fan CW. Assessment of Legionella pneumophila in recreational spring water with quantitative PCR (Taqman) assay. Pathog Glob Health 2015; 109:236-41. [PMID: 26184706 DOI: 10.1179/2047773215y.0000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella spp. are common in various natural and man-made aquatic environments. Recreational hot spring is frequently reported as an infection hotspot because of various factors such as temperature and humidity. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) had been used for detecting Legionella, several inhibitors such as humic substances, calcium, and melanin in the recreational spring water may interfere with the reaction thus resulting in risk underestimation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiencies of conventional and Taqman quantitative PCR (qPCR) on detecting Legionella pneumophila in spring facilities and in receiving water. In the results, Taqman PCR had much better efficiency on specifying the pathogen in both river and spring samples. L. pneumophila was detected in all of the 27 river water samples and 45 of the 48 hot spring water samples. The estimated L. pneumophela concentrations ranged between 1.0 × 10(2) and 3.3 × 10(5) cells/l in river water and 72.1-5.7 × 10(6) cells/l in hot spring water. Total coliforms and turbidity were significantly correlated with concentrations of L. pneumophila in positive water samples. Significant difference was also found in water temperature between the presence/absence of L. pneumophila. Our results suggest that conventional PCR may be not enough for detecting L. pneumophila particularly in the aquatic environments full of reaction inhibitors.
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11
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Mercante JW, Winchell JM. Current and emerging Legionella diagnostics for laboratory and outbreak investigations. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 28:95-133. [PMID: 25567224 PMCID: PMC4284297 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00029-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionnaires' disease (LD) is an often severe and potentially fatal form of bacterial pneumonia caused by an extensive list of Legionella species. These ubiquitous freshwater and soil inhabitants cause human respiratory disease when amplified in man-made water or cooling systems and their aerosols expose a susceptible population. Treatment of sporadic cases and rapid control of LD outbreaks benefit from swift diagnosis in concert with discriminatory bacterial typing for immediate epidemiological responses. Traditional culture and serology were instrumental in describing disease incidence early in its history; currently, diagnosis of LD relies almost solely on the urinary antigen test, which captures only the dominant species and serogroup, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1). This has created a diagnostic "blind spot" for LD caused by non-Lp1 strains. This review focuses on historic, current, and emerging technologies that hold promise for increasing LD diagnostic efficiency and detection rates as part of a coherent testing regimen. The importance of cooperation between epidemiologists and laboratorians for a rapid outbreak response is also illustrated in field investigations conducted by the CDC with state and local authorities. Finally, challenges facing health care professionals, building managers, and the public health community in combating LD are highlighted, and potential solutions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Mercante
- Pneumonia Response and Surveillance Laboratory, Respiratory Diseases Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonas M Winchell
- Pneumonia Response and Surveillance Laboratory, Respiratory Diseases Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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12
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Kao PM, Hsu BM, Hsu TK, Ji WT, Huang PH, Hsueh CJ, Chiang CS, Huang SW, Huang YL. Application of TaqMan fluorescent probe-based quantitative real-time PCR assay for the environmental survey of Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila in drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:416-421. [PMID: 24867705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, TaqMan fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR was performed to quantify Legionella species in reservoirs. Water samples were collected from 19 main reservoirs in Taiwan, and 12 (63.2%) were found to contain Legionella spp. The identified species included uncultured Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, L. jordanis, and L. drancourtii. The concentrations of Legionella spp. and L. pneumophila in the water samples were in the range of 1.8×10(2)-2.6×10(3) and 1.6×10(2)-2.4×10(2) cells/L, respectively. The presence and absence of Legionella spp. in the reservoir differed significantly in pH values. These results highlight the importance that L. pneumophila, L. jordanis, and L. drancourtii are potential pathogens in the reservoirs. The presence of L. pneumophila in reservoirs may be a potential public health concern that must be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Tsui-Kang Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Tsai Ji
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Jen Hsueh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chuen-Sheue Chiang
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Wei Huang
- Center for General Education, Cheng-Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Li Huang
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Kao PM, Tung MC, Hsu BM, Chiu YC, She CY, Shen SM, Huang YL, Huang WC. Identification and quantitative detection of Legionella spp. in various aquatic environments by real-time PCR assay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:6128-6137. [PMID: 23536272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR was developed to quantify and detect the Legionella spp. in various environmental water samples. The water samples were taken from watershed, water treatment plant, and thermal spring area in Taiwan. Legionella was detected in 13.6 % (24/176), and the detection rate for river water, raw drinking water, and thermal spring water was 10, 21.4, and 16.6 %, respectively. Using real-time PCR, concentration of Legionella spp. in detected samples ranged between 9.75 × 10(4) and 3.47 × 10(5) cells/L in river water, 6.92 × 10(4) and 4.29 × 10(5) cells/L in raw drinking water, and 5.71 × 10(4) and 2.12 × 10(6) cells/L for thermal spring water samples. The identified species included Legionella pneumophila (20.8 %), Legionella jordanis (4.2 %), Legionella nautarum (4.2 %), Legionella sp. (4.2 %), and uncultured Legionella sp. (66.6 %). The presence of L. pneumophila in aquatic environments suggested a potential public health threat that must be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Min Kao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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14
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Diversity of legionellae strains from Tunisian hot spring water. Res Microbiol 2013; 164:342-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Qin T, Yan G, Ren H, Zhou H, Wang H, Xu Y, Zhao M, Guan H, Li M, Shao Z. High prevalence, genetic diversity and intracellular growth ability of Legionella in hot spring environments. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59018. [PMID: 23527075 PMCID: PMC3601096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Legionella is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, and hot springs are a major source of outbreaks of this disease. It is important from a public health perspective to survey hot spring environments for the presence of Legionella. Methods Prospective surveillance of the extent of Legionella pollution was conducted at three hot spring recreational areas in Beijing, China in 2011. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and sequence-based typing (SBT) were used to describe the genetic polymorphism of isolates. The intracellular growth ability of the isolates was determined by interacting with J774 cells and plating the dilutions onto BCYE agar plates. Results Overall, 51.9% of spring water samples showed Legionella-positive, and their concentrations ranged from 1 CFU/liter to 2,218 CFU/liter. The positive rates of Legionella were significantly associated with a free chlorine concentration of ≥0.2 mg/L, urea concentration of ≥0.05 mg/L, total microbial counts of ≥400 CFU/ml and total coliform of ≥3 MPN/L (p<0.01). The Legionella concentrations were significantly associated with sample temperature, pH, total microbial counts and total coliform (p<0.01). Legionella pneumophila was the most frequently isolated species (98.9%), and the isolated serogroups included serogroups 3 (25.3%), 6 (23.4%), 5 (19.2%), 1 (18.5%), 2 (10.2%), 8 (0.4%), 10 (0.8%), 9 (1.9%) and 12 (0.4%). Two hundred and twenty-eight isolates were analyzed by PFGE and 62 different patterns were obtained. Fifty-seven L. pneumophila isolates were selected for SBT analysis and divided into 35 different sequence types with 5 main clonal groups. All the 57 isolates had high intracellular growth ability. Conclusions Our results demonstrated high prevalence and genetic polymorphism of Legionella in springs in Beijing, China, and the SBT and intracellular growth assay results suggested that the Legionella isolates of hot spring environments were pathogenic. Improved control and prevention strategies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (TQ); (ZS)
| | - Gebin Yan
- Changping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Haijian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Huanxin Wang
- Changping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Changping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Mingqiang Zhao
- Changping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Machao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Zhujun Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (TQ); (ZS)
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Zbikowska E, Walczak M, Krawiec A. Distribution of Legionella pneumophila bacteria and Naegleria and Hartmannella amoebae in thermal saline baths used in balneotherapy. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:77-83. [PMID: 23052757 PMCID: PMC3536949 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at investigating the coexistence and interactions between free living amoebae of Naegleria and Hartmannella genera and pathogenic Legionella pneumophila bacteria in thermal saline baths used in balneotherapy in central Poland. Water samples were collected from November 2010 to May 2011 at intervals longer than 1 month. The microorganisms were detected with the use of a very sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridisation method. In addition, the morphology of the amoebae was studied. Despite relatively high salinity level, ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 %, L. pneumophila were found in all investigated baths, although their number never exceeded 106 cells dm−3. Hartmannella were not detected, while Naegleria fowleri were found in one bath. The observation that N. fowleri and L. pneumophila may coexist in thermal saline baths is the first observation emphasising potential threat from these microorganisms in balneotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Zbikowska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
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Buse HY, Schoen ME, Ashbolt NJ. Legionellae in engineered systems and use of quantitative microbial risk assessment to predict exposure. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:921-33. [PMID: 22209280 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
While it is well-established that Legionella are able to colonize engineered water systems, the number of interacting factors contributing to their occurrence, proliferation, and persistence are unclear. This review summarizes current methods used to detect and quantify legionellae as well as the current knowledge of engineered water system characteristics that both favour and promote legionellae growth. Furthermore, the use of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models to predict potentially critical human exposures to legionellae are also discussed. Understanding the conditions favouring Legionella occurrence in engineered systems and their overall ecology (growth in these systems/biofilms, biotic interactions and release) will aid in developing new treatment technologies and/or systems that minimize or eliminate human exposure to potentially pathogenic legionellae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Y Buse
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W Martin Luther King Dr, MS 579, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
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Assessment of the microbiota in microdissected tissues of Crohn's disease patients. Int J Inflam 2011; 2012:505674. [PMID: 22191064 PMCID: PMC3235481 DOI: 10.1155/2012/505674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract is frequently mentioned as one of the key players in the etiopathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Four hypotheses have been suggested: the single, still unknown bacterial pathogen, an abnormal overall composition of the bowel microbiota ("dysbiosis"), an abnormal immunological reaction to an essentially normally composed microbiota, and increased bacterial translocation. We propose that laser capture microdissection of selected microscopic structures, followed by broad-range 16S rRNA gene sequencing, is an excellent method to assess spatiotemporal alterations in the composition of the bowel microbiota in CD. Using this approach, we demonstrated significant changes of the composition, abundance, and location of the gut microbiome in this disease. Some of these abnormal findings persisted even after macroscopic mucosal healing. Further investigations along these lines may lead to a better understanding of the possible involvement of the bowel bacteria in the development of clinical Crohn's disease.
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