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Ormsby MJ, Akinbobola A, Quilliam RS. Plastic pollution and fungal, protozoan, and helminth pathogens - A neglected environmental and public health issue? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163093. [PMID: 36996975 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is ubiquitous in the environment and can become colonised by distinct microbial biofilm communities, known collectively as the 'plastisphere.' The plastisphere can facilitate the increased survival and dissemination of human pathogenic prokaryotes (e.g., bacteria); however, our understanding of the potential for plastics to harbour and disseminate eukaryotic pathogens is lacking. Eukaryotic microorganisms are abundant in natural environments and represent some of the most important disease-causing agents, collectively responsible for tens of millions of infections, and millions of deaths worldwide. While prokaryotic plastisphere communities in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments are relatively well characterised, such biofilms will also contain eukaryotic species. Here, we critically review the potential for fungal, protozoan, and helminth pathogens to associate with the plastisphere, and consider the regulation and mechanisms of this interaction. As the volume of plastics in the environment continues to rise there is an urgent need to understand the role of the plastisphere for the survival, virulence, dissemination, and transfer of eukaryotic pathogens, and the effect this can have on environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ormsby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Ayorinde Akinbobola
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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2
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Xiao X, Guo H, Ma F, Zhang J, Ma X, You S. New insights into mycelial pellets for aerobic sludge granulation in membrane bioreactor: Bio-functional interactions among metazoans, microbial communities and protein expression. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 228:119361. [PMID: 36402059 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct cultivation of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in membrane bioreactor (MBR) has gained increasing attention. Mycelial pellets (MPs) has been shown capable of promoting rapid granulation of aerobic sludge in MBR, yet mechanisms remain unclear and in-depth insight into cross-scale interactions between MPs and indigenous microbiota as well as the corresponding protein expression functions is necessary. Herein, we found that the addition of MPs in MBR resulted in massive growth of metazoans with 40-400 /mL for rotifers, 20-140 /mL for nematodes and 2-420 /mL for oligochaetes in the initial phase of granulation. This facilitated the MPs to rapidly aggregate with bacteria to form defensive granules for physical protection from predation by metazoans, which inhibited the overgrowth of filamentous bacteria Thiothrix and promoted the reproduction of functional bacteria related to nitrogen removal (Nitrospira, Trichococcus and Acinetobacter). Proteomic analysis demonstrated that the upregulation of functional proteins was mainly ascribed to the decrease of Thiothrix and the increase of Nitrospira, resulting in the enhancement of metabolic pathways involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, citrate (TCA) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, pyruvate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids, which was responsible for MPs-induced AGS with denser structure, more abundant proteins and β-polysaccharides, higher species diversity, significant nitrogen removal (33.12-42.33%) and lower membrane fouling potential. This study provided a novel and comprehensive insight into the enhanced granulation of aerobic sludge by MPs and the functional superiority of MPs-induced AGS in MBR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Haijuan Guo
- School of Environment, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, PR China.
| | - Fang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China.
| | - Jinna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Xiping Ma
- School of Environment, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, PR China
| | - Shijie You
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
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3
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Yu Q, Feng T, Yang J, Su W, Zhou R, Wang Y, Zhang H, Li H. Seasonal distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in the Yellow River water and tap water, and their potential transmission from water to human. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118304. [PMID: 34627965 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and opportunistic pathogens in water environments can pose great threat to public health. However, the dissemination of ARGs and opportunistic pathogens from water environments to humans has been poorly explored. Here, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR techniques to explore the seasonal distribution of ARGs and opportunistic pathogens in the Yellow River water (source water) and tap water, as well as their relationships with healthy humans at Lanzhou, China. Physiochemical analysis was applied to detect water quality parameters and heavy metal contents. The absolute abundance and diversity of ARGs in the Yellow River and tap water demonstrated distinct seasonal patterns. In winter, the Yellow river water had the highest ARG abundance and diversity, while tap water owned the lowest. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were the predominant driver of ARG profiles in both the Yellow river and tap water. Null model analysis showed that ARG assembly in the Yellow River was more influenced by stochastic processes than tap water and this was independent of seasons. Total organic carbon and arsenic contents exhibited positive correlations with many ARGs. Opportunistic pathogens Aeromonas and Pseudomonas may be potential hosts for ARGs. Approximately 80% of detected ARGs were shared between water samples and the human gut. These persistent ARGs could not be entirely eliminated through drinking water treatment processes. Thus, it is crucial to protect sources of tap water from anthropogenic pollution and improve water treatment technologies to reduce the dissemination of ARGs and ensure drinking-water biosafety for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoling Yu
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tianshu Feng
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jiawei Yang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wanghong Su
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yijie Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Anhui Microanaly Gene Co., Ltd., Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Huan Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Center for Grassland Microbiome, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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4
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Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Khan NA. The Increasing Importance of Vermamoeba vermiformis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 68:e12857. [PMID: 33987951 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vermamoeba vermiformis are one of the most prevalent free-living amoebae. These amoebae are ubiquitous and also thermotolerant. Of concern, V. vermiformis have been found in hospital water networks. Furthermore, associations between V. vermiformis and pathogenic bacteria have been reported, such as Legionella pneumophila. Moreover, V. vermiformis are well known to host viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms and cases of keratitis due to V. vermiformis in conjunction with other amoebae have been reported. Despite the preceding, the medical importance of V. vermiformis is still an ongoing discussion and its genome has been only recently sequenced. Herein, we present a review of the current understanding of the biology and pathogenesis pertaining to V. vermiformis, as well as its' role as an etiological agent and trojan horse. An approach known as theranostics which combines both diagnosis and therapy could be utilized to eradicate and diagnose keratitis cases caused by such amoebae. Given the rise in global warming, it is imperative to investigate these rarely studied amoebae and to understand their importance in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.,Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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5
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Zhang W, Suyamud B, Lohwacharin J, Yang Y. Large-scale pattern of resistance genes and bacterial community in the tap water along the middle and low reaches of the Yangtze River. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111517. [PMID: 33120256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic and metal resistance genes (ARGs and MRGs) in tap water are of great public health concern. However, very fewer studies focused on the relationship between resistance genes and opportunistic pathogens in tap water. In this study, the diversity and abundance of resistance genes and bacterial community from tap water at a large-scale along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were investigated. The total relative abundances of ARGs and MRGs were 2.95 × 10-3-1.22 × 10-1 and 1.93 × 10-3-1.20 × 10-1 copies/16S rRNA, respectively. The blaTEM and merP detected were major ARG and MRG subtypes, respectively. Mobile genetic elements (Intl1 and tnpA) showed significant correlations with the abundance of ARGs. Heavy metals also played a vital role in the co-selection of ARGs. Surprisingly, there were still eight opportunistic pathogens in tap water, among which Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Porphyromonas gingivalis were the potential host of ARGs and MRGs. Escherichia coli had the highest abundance, while Bacillus anthracis had the highest detected frequency (100%), a widespread opportunistic pathogen in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Center of the Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bongkotrat Suyamud
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jenyuk Lohwacharin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Center of the Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
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6
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Hubert F, Rodier MH, Minoza A, Portet-Sulla V, Cateau E, Brunet K. Free-living amoebae promote Candida auris survival and proliferation in water. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 72:82-89. [PMID: 32978979 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging species responsible for life-threatening infections. Its ability to be resistant to most systemic antifungal classes and its capacity to persist in a hospital environment have led to health concerns. Currently, data about environmental reservoirs are limited but remain essential in control of C. auris spread. The aim of our study was to explore the interactions between C. auris and two free-living amoeba (FLA) species, Vermamoeba vermiformis and Acanthamoeba castellanii, potentially found in the same water environment. Candida auris was incubated with FLA trophozoites or their culture supernatants. The number of FLA and yeasts was determined at different times and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed. Supernatants of FLAs promoted yeast survival and proliferation. Internalization of viable C. auris within both FLA species was also evidenced by TEM. A water environmental reservoir of C. auris can therefore be considered through FLAs and contamination of the hospital water networks would consequently be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hubert
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - M-H Rodier
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - A Minoza
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - V Portet-Sulla
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - E Cateau
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - K Brunet
- Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Département des agents infectieux, Service de Mycologie-Parasitologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
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7
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Spagnolo AM, Sartini M, Cristina ML. Microbial Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines and Potential Risk of Infection: A Narrative Review. Pathogens 2020; 9:E651. [PMID: 32823641 PMCID: PMC7460066 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have revealed that dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are often contaminated by large numbers of various micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses). Microbial contamination in DUWLs may originate from the mains water piped into the dental unit, the suck-back of patients' saliva into the line due to the lack of adequate valves, and contamination from bottled water systems. Some of the main determinants of microbial contamination in DUWLs are: a very small lumen size (0.5-2 mm) of the tubing used, high surface-to-volume ratio (6:1), low throughput and the materials of which the tubing is made, water stagnation outside of working hours. The environmental conditions present inside the conduits of the dental unit may facilitate the proliferation of micro-organisms and the consequent formation of biofilm on the interior surface of the pipes of DUWLs. During the use of handpieces, particularly high-speed rotating instruments, a spray is thrown up in the form of aerosols or spatters containing biological material (saliva, blood and dental plaque) and micro-organisms. This means that the health of both dental staff and patients could be at risk of infection. The risk of cross-infections in dental settings can be tackled by implementing combined interventions to prevent the contamination of DUWLs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Sartini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.L.C.)
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8
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A hidden battle in the dirt: Soil amoebae interactions with Paracoccidioides spp. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007742. [PMID: 31589617 PMCID: PMC6797224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides spp. are thermodimorphic fungi that cause a neglected tropical disease (paracoccidioidomycosis) that is endemic to Latin America. These fungi inhabit the soil, where they live as saprophytes with no need for a mammalian host to complete their life cycle. Despite this, they developed sophisticated virulence attributes allowing them not only to survive in host tissues but also to cause disease. A hypothesis for selective pressures driving the emergence or maintenance of virulence of soil fungi is their interaction with soil predators such as amoebae and helminths. We evaluated the presence of environmental amoeboid predators in soil from armadillo burrows where Paracoccidioides had been previously detected and tested if the interaction of Paracoccidioides with amoebae selects for fungi with increased virulence. Nematodes, ciliates, and amoebae-all potential predators of fungi-grew in cultures from soil samples. Microscopical observation and ITS sequencing identified the amoebae as Acanthamoeba spp, Allovahlkampfia spelaea, and Vermamoeba vermiformis. These three amoebae efficiently ingested, killed and digested Paracoccidioides spp. yeast cells, as did laboratory adapted axenic Acanthamoeba castellanii. Sequential co-cultivation of Paracoccidioides with A. castellanii selected for phenotypical traits related to the survival of the fungus within a natural predator as well as in murine macrophages and in vivo (Galleria mellonella and mice). These changes in virulence were linked to the accumulation of cell wall alpha-glucans, polysaccharides that mask recognition of fungal molecular patterns by host pattern recognition receptors. Altogether, our results indicate that Paracoccidioides inhabits a complex environment with multiple amoeboid predators that can exert selective pressure to guide the evolution of virulence traits.
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Spagnolo AM, Sartini M, Cave DD, Casini B, Tuvo B, Cristina ML. Evaluation of Microbiological and Free-Living Protozoa Contamination in Dental Unit Waterlines. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152648. [PMID: 31344972 PMCID: PMC6696308 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies conducted over the last 40 years have demonstrated that the water output from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is often contaminated with high densities of microorganisms. It has been monitored the microbiological quality of the water in 30 public dental facilities in northern Italy in order to assess the health risk for patients and dental staff. In each facility, samples of water both from taps and from DUWLs were analyzed in order to evaluate heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) at 22 °C and 36 °C, and to detect coliform bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila and amoebae. In 100% of the samples taken from the DUWLs, the concentration of HPCs was above the threshold as determined by the Ministère de la Santé et des Solidarités (2007). The concentration of P. aeruginosa was greater than the indicated threshold in 16.67% of the hand-pieces analyzed. A total of 78.33% of samples were contaminated by L. pneumophila, while in the samples taken from the DUWLs alone, this percentage rose to 86.67%. Amoebae were detected in 60% of the samples taken from hand-pieces; all belonging to the species V. vermiformis. This study documented the presence of various microorganisms, including Legionella spp., at considerably higher concentrations in water samples from DUWLs than in samples of tap water in the same facilities, confirming the role of the internal DUWLs in increasing microbial contamination, especially in the absence of proper management of waterborne health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Spagnolo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Marina Sartini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Tuvo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Cristina
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
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10
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Scheid PL. Vermamoeba vermiformis - A Free-Living Amoeba with Public Health and Environmental Health Significance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1874421401907010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many case reports emphasize the fact that Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) can relatively easily get in contact with humans or animals. The presence of several facultative parasitic FLA in habitats related to human activities supports their public health relevance. While some strains of Acanthamoeba,Naegleria fowleri,Balamuthia mandrillarisand several other FLA have been described as facultative human pathogens, it remains controversial whetherVermamoeba vermiformisstrains may have a pathogenic potential, or whether this FLA is just an incidental contaminant in a range of human cases. However, several cases support its role as a human parasite, either as the only etiological agent, or in combination with other pathogens. Additionally, a wide range of FLA is known as vectors of microorganisms (endocytobionts), hereby emphasizing their environmental significance. Among those FLA serving as hosts for and vectors of (pathogenic) endocytobionts, there are also descriptions ofV. vermiformisas a vehicle and a reservoir of those endocytobionts. The involvement in animal and human health, the role as vector of pathogenic microorganisms and the pathogenicity in cell cultures, led to the assumption thatV. vermiformisshould be considered relevant in terms of public health and environmental health.
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11
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The 'Amoeboid Predator-Fungal Animal Virulence' Hypothesis. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5010010. [PMID: 30669554 PMCID: PMC6463022 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation that some aspects of amoeba-fungal interactions resemble animal phagocytic cell-fungal interactions, together with the finding that amoeba passage can enhance the virulence of some pathogenic fungi, has stimulated interest in the amoeba as a model system for the study of fungal virulence. Amoeba provide a relatively easy and cheap model system where multiple variables can be controlled for the study of fungi-protozoal (amoeba) interactions. Consequently, there have been significant efforts to study fungal⁻amoeba interactions in the laboratory, which have already provided new insights into the origin of fungal virulence as well as suggested new avenues for experimentation. In this essay we review the available literature, which highlights the varied nature of amoeba-fungal interactions and suggests some unsolved questions that are potential areas for future investigation. Overall, results from multiple independent groups support the 'amoeboid predator⁻fungal animal virulence hypothesis', which posits that fungal cell predation by amoeba can select for traits that also function during animal infection to promote their survival and thus contribute to virulence.
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12
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Ren K, Xue Y, Rønn R, Liu L, Chen H, Rensing C, Yang J. Dynamics and determinants of amoeba community, occurrence and abundance in subtropical reservoirs and rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 146:177-186. [PMID: 30243060 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae are widespread in freshwater ecosystems. Although many studies have investigated changes in their communities across space, the temporal variability and the drivers of community changes across different habitat types are poorly understood. A total of 108 surface water samples were collected on a seasonal basis from four reservoirs and two rivers in Xiamen city, subtropical China. We used high throughput sequencing and qPCR methods to explore the occurrence and abundance of free-living amoebae. In total, 335 amoeba OTUs were detected, and only 32 OTUs were shared by reservoir and river habitats. The reservoirs and rivers harbored unique amoebae communities and exhibited distinct seasonal patterns in community composition. High abundance of the 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba was observed in spring and summer, whereas the abundance was low in autumn and winter. In addition, the abundance of Hartmannella was significantly higher when isolated from reservoirs in summer/autumn and from river in spring/summer. Moreover, the temporal patterns of amoebae communities were significantly associated with water temperature, indicating that temperature is an important variable controlling the ecological dynamics of amoebae populations. However, our comparative analysis indicated that both environmental selection, and neutral processes, significantly contributed to amoeba community assembly. The genera detected here include pathogenic species and species that can act as vectors for microbial pathogens, which can cause human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Ren
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xue
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Regin Rønn
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Arctic Station, University of Copenhagen, Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland; Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lemian Liu
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Huihuang Chen
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Christopher Rensing
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and the Environment, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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13
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Delafont V, Rodier MH, Maisonneuve E, Cateau E. Vermamoeba vermiformis: a Free-Living Amoeba of Interest. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:991-1001. [PMID: 29737382 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae are protists that are widely distributed in the environment including water, soil, and air. Although the amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are still the most studied, other species, such as Vermamoeba vermiformis (formerly Hartmannella vermiformis), are the subject of increased interest. Found in natural or man-made aquatic environments, V. vermiformis can support the multiplication of other microorganisms and is able to harbor and potentially protect pathogenic bacteria or viruses. This feature is to be noted because of the presence of this thermotolerant amoeba in hospital water networks. As a consequence, this protist could be implicated in health concerns and be indirectly responsible for healthcare-related infections. This review highlights, among others, the consequences of V. vermiformis relationships with other microorganisms and shows that this free-living amoeba species is therefore of interest for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Delafont
- Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86022, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Marie-Helene Rodier
- Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86022, Poitiers Cedex, France
- Laboratoire de parasitologie et mycologie, CHU La Milètrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Elodie Maisonneuve
- Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86022, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86022, Poitiers Cedex, France.
- Laboratoire de parasitologie et mycologie, CHU La Milètrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France.
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de Souza TK, Soares SS, Benitez LB, Rott MB. Interaction Between Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Curr Microbiol 2017; 74:541-549. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Vermamoeba vermiformis-Aspergillus fumigatus relationships and comparison with other phagocytic cells. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4097-4105. [PMID: 27381330 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Free living amoebae (FLA) are protists ubiquitously present in the environment. Aspergillus fumigatus is a mould responsible for severe deep-seated infections, and that can be recovered in the same habitats as the FLA. By conducting coculture experiments and fungal incubation with amoebal supernatants, we report herein that Vermamoeba vermiformis, a FLA present in hospital water systems, promotes filamentation and growth of A. fumigatus. This finding is of particular importance to institutions whose water systems might harbor FLA and could potentially be used by immunocompromised patients. Also, the relationships between V. vermiformis and A. fumigatus were compared to those between this fungus and two other phagocytic cells: Acanthamoeba castellanii, another FLA, and macrophage-like THP-1 cells. After 4 h of coincubation, the percentages of the three phagocytic cell types with adhered conidia were similar, even though the types of receptors between FLA and macrophagic cell seemed different. However, the percentage of THP-1 with internalized conidia was considerably lower (40 %) in comparison with the two other cell types (100 %). Thus, this study revealed that interactions between A. fumigatus and these three phagocytic cell types show similarities, even though it is premature to extrapolate these results to interpret relationships between A. fumigatus and macrophages.
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16
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Kauffmann-Lacroix C, Costa D, Imbert C. Fungi, Water Supply and Biofilms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 931:49-61. [PMID: 27167410 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Even though it has been studied for many years, water-related infectious risk still exists in both care and community environments due to the possible presence of numerous microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protists. People can be exposed directly to these microorganisms either through aerosols and water, after ingestion, inhalation, skin contact and entry through mucosal membranes, or indirectly usually due to pre-treatment of some medical devices. Species belonging to genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Pseudallesheria, Fusarium, Cuninghamella, Mucor and in some particular cases Candida have been isolated in water from health facilities and their presence is particularly related to the unavoidable formation of a polymicrobial biofilm in waterlines. Fungi isolation methods are based on water filtration combined with conventional microbiology cultures and/or molecular approaches; unfortunately, these are still poorly standardized. Moreover, due to inappropriate culture media and inadequate sampling volumes, the current standardized methods used for bacterial research are not suitable for fungal search. In order to prevent water-related fungal risk, health facilities have implemented measures such as ultraviolet radiation to treat the input network, continuous chemical treatment, chemical or thermal shock treatments, or microfiltration at points of use. This article aims to provide an overview of fungal colonization of water (especially in hospitals), involvement of biofilms that develop in waterlines and application of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kauffmann-Lacroix
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, CHU de Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, UBM, BP577, Poitiers, 86021, France.
| | - Damien Costa
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, CHU de Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, UBM, BP577, Poitiers, 86021, France
- Laboratoire Ecologie Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, équipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, UFR Médecine-Pharmacie, Bat D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, Poitiers, 86073, France
| | - Christine Imbert
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, CHU de Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, UBM, BP577, Poitiers, 86021, France
- Laboratoire Ecologie Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, équipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, UFR Médecine-Pharmacie, Bat D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, Poitiers, 86073, France
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17
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Chaftar N, Girardot M, Quellard N, Labanowski J, Ghrairi T, Hani K, Frère J, Imbert C. Activity of Six Essential Oils Extracted from Tunisian Plants againstLegionella pneumophila. Chem Biodivers 2015; 12:1565-74. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201400343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Naouel Chaftar
- Université de Poitiers, EBI, UMR CNRS 7267, Bât. D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, FR‐86073 Poitiers (phone: +33‐2‐35146454)
- Faculté de Médecine, UR08 – 45, Département de Biochimie, Avenue Mohamed Karoui, 4002 Sousse, Tunisie
- Université de Rouen, LMSM ‐ EA 4312, UFR des Sciences et Techniques, FR‐76821 Mont‐Saint‐Aignan (current address)
| | - Marion Girardot
- Université de Poitiers, EBI, UMR CNRS 7267, Bât. D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, FR‐86073 Poitiers (phone: +33‐2‐35146454)
| | - Nathalie Quellard
- CHU de Poitiers, Service de Microscopie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, FR‐86021 Poitiers
| | - Jérôme Labanowski
- Université de Poitiers, IC2 MP, UMR CNRS 7285, 4 rue Michel Brunet, FR‐86022 Poitiers
| | - Tawfik Ghrairi
- Faculté de Médecine, UR08 – 45, Département de Biochimie, Avenue Mohamed Karoui, 4002 Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Khaled Hani
- Faculté de Médecine, UR08 – 45, Département de Biochimie, Avenue Mohamed Karoui, 4002 Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Jacques Frère
- Université de Poitiers, EBI, UMR CNRS 7267, Bât. D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, FR‐86073 Poitiers (phone: +33‐2‐35146454)
| | - Christine Imbert
- Université de Poitiers, EBI, UMR CNRS 7267, Bât. D1, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, FR‐86073 Poitiers (phone: +33‐2‐35146454)
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Cateau E, Delafont V, Hechard Y, Rodier M. Free-living amoebae: what part do they play in healthcare-associated infections? J Hosp Infect 2014; 87:131-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Barbot V, Costa D, Deborde M, Imbert C. Efficacy of dental unit disinfectants against Candida spp. and Hartmannella vermiformis. Pathog Dis 2014; 70:289-96. [PMID: 24391018 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human oral commensal Candida yeasts, as well as environmental free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Hartmannella, are known to be direct or indirect human pathogens. These microorganisms may be isolated from dental unit waterlines (DUWL), because of contamination coming from the tap water and/or a patient's mouth. This study compared the efficacy of commonly used DUWL disinfectants (chlorine, H2 O2 , and Oxygenal 6©) against three species of Candida (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis) and one FLA species (H. vermiformis), growing either as single or as mixed biofilms in tap water. Results showed variable efficacies: H2 O2 had no significant activity, while chlorine was effective but only at the highest doses tested, probably not compatible with DUWL uses. Oxygenal 6© was the most efficacious in preventing the growth of yeasts in tap water. However, in the presence of FLA, Oxygenal 6© displayed a reduced antimicrobial activity against sessile C. albicans. In conclusion, none of the tested disinfectants could eradicate yeasts or FLA. Moreover, the antiyeast activity of Oxygenal 6© was reduced in the presence of FLA. Both sessile or planktonic and mixed or single-species conditions should be considered when evaluating the activity of disinfectants for DUWL maintenance. This study also highlighted that FLA should be included in the testing protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Barbot
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et de Biologie des Interactions, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers Cedex, France
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