1
|
Flemming HC, van Hullebusch ED, Little BJ, Neu TR, Nielsen PH, Seviour T, Stoodley P, Wingender J, Wuertz S. Microbial extracellular polymeric substances in the environment, technology and medicine. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41579-024-01098-y. [PMID: 39333414 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Microbial biofilms exhibit a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA and lipids. EPS promote interactions of the biofilm with other cells and sorption of organics, metals and chemical pollutants, and they facilitate cell adhesion at interfaces and ensure matrix cohesion. EPS have roles in various natural environments, such as soils, sediments and marine habitats. In addition, EPS are relevant in technical environments, such as wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, and water distribution systems, and they contribute to biofouling and microbially influenced corrosion. In medicine, EPS protect pathogens within the biofilm against the host immune system and antimicrobials, and emerging evidence suggests that EPS can represent potential virulence factors. By contrast, EPS yield a wide range of valuable products that include their role in self-repairing concrete. In this Review, we aim to explore EPS as a functional unit of biofilms in the environment, in technology and in medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Curt Flemming
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), Qingdao, China.
| | | | | | - Thomas R Neu
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Per H Nielsen
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Thomas Seviour
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and the Department of Orthopaedics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jost Wingender
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Chemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu HY, Gupta S, Zhou Z. Removal of metals and assimilable organic carbon by activated carbon and reverse osmosis point-of-use water filtration systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 365:143251. [PMID: 39233301 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) systems and reverse osmosis (RO) systems are commonly used point-of-use (POU) water filtration systems for removing trace-level contaminants in tap water to protect human health. However, limited research has been done to evaluate their effectiveness in removing heavy metals like manganese (Mn) and uranium (U), or to assess the potential for undesired microbial growth within POU systems, which can reduce their treatment efficiency. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the removal of metals and assimilable organic carbon (AOC) in POU systems. AC systems were operated to 200% of their designed treatment capacities and RO systems were run for three weeks. The results showed that AC systems were generally ineffective at removing metals from drinking water, while RO systems effectively removed them. Both Mn and U were poorly removed by AC systems. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were poorly removed by AC systems, with efficiencies of less than 1%. Iron (Fe) removal by AC systems varied between 61% and 84%. Copper (Fe), likely due to its low influent concentration (<30 μg L-1), was effectively removed by AC systems with efficiencies over 95%. In contrast, RO systems consistently removed all metals effectively. Mn and U removal in RO systems exceeded 95%, while Ca, Mn, Fe, and Cu were all removed with efficiencies greater than 98%. AOC was effectively removed from all AC and RO systems, but with high variability in removal efficiency, which is likely attributed to the heterogeneity of biofilm and microbial growth within the POU systems. The new knowledge generated from this study can improve our understanding of chemical contaminant removal in POU systems and inform the development of better strategies for designing and operating POU systems to remove chemical contaminants in drinking water and mitigate their associated health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yin Yu
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Shreya Gupta
- Civil and Construction Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Civil and Construction Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cavallaro A, Gabrielli M, Hammes F, Rhoads WJ. The impact of DNA extraction on the quantification of Legionella, with implications for ecological studies. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0071324. [PMID: 38953325 PMCID: PMC11302271 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00713-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the levels of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water is important to plan interventions and understand the ecological niches that allow them to proliferate. Quantitative PCR is an established alternative to culture methods that can provide a faster, higher-throughput, and more precise enumeration of the bacteria in water samples. However, PCR-based methods are still not routinely applied for Legionella monitoring, and techniques, such as DNA extraction, differ notably between laboratories. Here, we quantify the impact that DNA extraction methods had on downstream PCR quantification and community sequencing. Through a community science campaign, we collected 50 water samples and corresponding shower hoses, and compared two commonly used DNA extraction methodologies to the same biofilm and water phase samples. The two methods showed clearly different extraction efficacies, which were reflected in both the quantity of DNA extracted and the concentrations of Legionella enumerated in both the matrices. Notably, one method resulted in higher enumeration in nearly all samples by about one order of magnitude and detected Legionella in 21 samples that remained undetected by the other method. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that the relative abundance of individual taxa, including sequence variants of Legionella, significantly varied depending on the extraction method employed. Given the implications of these findings, we advocate for improvement in documentation of the performance of DNA extraction methods used in drinking water to detect and quantify Legionella, and characterize the associated microbial community.IMPORTANCEMonitoring for the presence of the waterborne opportunistic pathogen Legionella is important to assess the risk of infection and plan remediation actions. While monitoring is traditionally carried on through cultivation, there is an ever-increasing demand for rapid and high-throughput molecular-based approaches for Legionella detection. This paper provides valuable insights on how DNA extraction affects downstream molecular analysis such as the quantification of Legionella through droplet digital PCR and the characterization of natural microbial communities through sequencing analysis. We analyze the results from a risk-assessment, legislative, and ecological perspective, showing how initial DNA processing is an important step to take into account when shifting to molecular-based routine monitoring and discuss the central role of consistent and detailed reporting of the methods used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cavallaro
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Gabrielli
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Hammes
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - William J. Rhoads
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nisar MA, Ross KE, Brown MH, Bentham R, Best G, Eyre NS, Leterme SC, Whiley H. Increased flushing frequency of a model plumbing system initially promoted the formation of viable but non culturable cells but ultimately reduced the concentration of culturable and total Legionella DNA. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32334. [PMID: 38933949 PMCID: PMC11200333 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Legionella is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, and its prevalence in potable water is a significant public health issue. Water stagnation within buildings increases the risk of Legionella. However, there are limited studies investigating how stagnation arising through intermittent usage affects Legionella proliferation and the studies that are available do not consider viable but non culturable (VBNC) Legionella. This study used a model plumbing system to examine how intermittent water stagnation affects both VBNC and culturable Legionella. The model plumbing system contained a water tank supplying two biofilm reactors. The model was initially left stagnant for ≈5 months (147 days), after which one reactor was flushed daily, and the other weekly. Biofilm coupons, and water samples were collected for analysis at days 0, 14 and 28. These samples were analysed for culturable and VBNC Legionella, free-living amoebae, and heterotrophic bacteria. After 28 days, once-a-day flushing significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the amount of biofilm-associated culturable Legionella (1.5 log10 reduction) compared with weekly flushing. However, higher counts of biofilm-associated VBNC Legionella (1 log10 higher) were recovered from the reactor with once-a-day flushing compared with weekly flushing. Likewise, once-a-day flushing increased the population of biofilm-associated Vermamoeba vermiformis (approximately 3 log10 higher) compared with weekly flushing, which indicated a positive relationship between VBNC Legionella and V. vermiformis. This is the first study to investigate the influence of stagnation on VBNC Legionella under environmental conditions. Overall, this study showed that a reduction in water stagnation decreased culturable Legionella but not VBNC Legionella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atif Nisar
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Kirstin E. Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Melissa H. Brown
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Richard Bentham
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Giles Best
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Nicholas S. Eyre
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Sophie C. Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- Institute for Nanoscience and Technology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abbas M, Khan MT, Iqbal Z, Ali A, Eddine BT, Yousaf N, Wei D. Sources, transmission and hospital-associated outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacteria: a review. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:715-740. [PMID: 39015998 PMCID: PMC11259073 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread environmental organisms found in both natural and man-made settings, such as building plumbing, water distribution networks and hospital water systems. Their ubiquitous presence increases the risk of transmission, leading to a wide range of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. NTM primarily spreads through environmental exposures, such as inhaling aerosolized particles, ingesting contaminated food and introducing it into wounds. Hospital-associated outbreaks have been linked to contaminated medical devices and water systems. Furthermore, the rising global incidence, prevalence and isolation rates highlight the urgency of addressing NTM infections. Gaining a thorough insight into the sources and epidemiology of NTM infection is crucial for devising novel strategies to prevent and manage NTM transmission and infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munawar Abbas
- College of Food Science & Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, 1KM Defense Road, Lahore, 58810, Pakistan
- Zhongjing Research & Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan, 473006, PR China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Arif Ali
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Benarfa Taki Eddine
- Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University Faculty of Exact Sciences & Natural & Life Sciences, Département of Microbiology, Algeria
| | - Numan Yousaf
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Dongqing Wei
- College of Food Science & Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences & School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
- Zhongjing Research & Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan, 473006, PR China
- Henan Biological Industry Group, 41, Nongye East Rd, Jinshui, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
- Peng Cheng National Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Putri RE, Vrouwenvelder JS, Farhat N. Enhancing the DNA yield intended for microbial sequencing from a low-biomass chlorinated drinking water. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1339844. [PMID: 38855767 PMCID: PMC11157071 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1339844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA extraction yield from drinking water distribution systems and premise plumbing is a key metric for any downstream analysis such as 16S amplicon or metagenomics sequencing. This research aimed to optimize DNA yield from low-biomass (chlorinated) reverse osmosis-produced tap water by evaluating the impact of different factors during the DNA extraction procedure. The factors examined are (1) the impact of membrane materials and their pore sizes; (2) the impact of different cell densities; and (3) an alternative method for enhancing DNA yield via incubation (no nutrient spiking). DNA from a one-liter sampling volume of RO tap water with varying bacterial cell densities was extracted with five different filter membranes (mixed ester cellulose 0.2 μm, polycarbonate 0.2 μm, polyethersulfone 0.2 and 0.1 μm, polyvinylidene fluoride 0.1 μm) for biomass filtration. Our results show that (i) smaller membrane pore size solely did not increase the DNA yield of low-biomass RO tap water; (ii) the DNA yield was proportional to the cell density and substantially dependent on the filter membrane properties (i.e., the membrane materials and their pore sizes); (iii) by using our optimized DNA extraction protocol, we found that polycarbonate filter membrane with 0.2 μm pore size markedly outperformed in terms of quantity (DNA yield) and quality (background level of 16S gene copy number) of recovered microbial DNA; and finally, (iv) for one-liter sampling volume, incubation strategy enhanced the DNA yield and enabled accurate identification of the core members (i.e., Porphyrobacter and Blastomonas as the most abundant indicator taxa) of the bacterial community in low-biomass RO tap water. Importantly, incorporating multiple controls is crucial to distinguish between contaminant/artefactual and true taxa in amplicon sequencing studies of low-biomass RO tap water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ratna E. Putri
- Environmental Science and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder
- Environmental Science and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Nadia Farhat
- Environmental Science and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kozuka Y, Masuda T, Isu N, Takai M. Antimicrobial Peptide Assembly on Zwitterionic Polymer Films to Slow Down Biofilm Formation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7029-7037. [PMID: 38520398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Formation of biofilms on equipment used in various fields, such as medicine, domestic sanitation, and marine transportation, can cause serious problems. The use of antibiofouling and bactericidal modifications is a promising strategy for inhibiting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. To further enhance the antibiofilm properties of a surface, various combinations of bactericidal modifications alongside antibiofouling modifications have been developed. Optimization of the arrangements of antimicrobial peptides on the antibiofouling surface would allow us to design longer-life antibiofilm surface modifications. In this study, a postmodification was conducted with different design using the antimicrobial peptide KR12 on an antibiofouling copolymer film consisting of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and 3-(methacryloyloxy) propyl-tris(trimethylsilyloxy) silane. The distance of KR12 from the film was adjusted by combining different lengths of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacers (molecular weights are 2000 and 5000). The density of KR12 was ranged from 0.06 to 0.22 nm-2. When these modified surfaces were exposed to a nutrient-rich TSB suspension, the bacterial area formed by E. coli covered 5-127% of the original copolymer film. We found that a significant distance between the bactericidal and antibiofouling modifications, along with a higher density of bactericidal modifications, slows down the biofilm formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kozuka
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukuru Masuda
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norifumi Isu
- LIXIL Corporation, 2-1-1 Ojima, Koto-ku, 136-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Madoka Takai
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren A, Yao M, Fang J, Dai Z, Li X, van der Meer W, Medema G, Rose JB, Liu G. Bacterial communities of planktonic bacteria and mature biofilm in service lines and premise plumbing of a Megacity: Composition, Diversity, and influencing factors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108538. [PMID: 38422875 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Although simulated studies have provided valuable knowledge regarding the communities of planktonic bacteria and biofilms, the lack of systematic field studies have hampered the understanding of microbiology in real-world service lines and premise plumbing. In this study, the bacterial communities of water and biofilm were explored, with a special focus on the lifetime development of biofilm communities and their key influencing factors. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that both the planktonic bacteria and biofilm were dominated by Proteobacteria. Among the 15,084 observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), the 33 core ASVs covered 72.8 %, while the 12 shared core ASVs accounted for 62.2 % of the total sequences. Remarkably, it was found that the species richness and diversity of biofilm communities correlated with pipe age. The relative abundance of ASV2 (f_Sphingomonadaceae) was lower for pipe ages 40-50 years (7.9 %) than for pipe ages 10-20 years (59.3 %), while the relative abundance of ASV10 (f_Hyphomonadaceae) was higher for pipe ages 40-50 years (19.5 %) than its presence at pipe ages 20-30 years (1.9 %). The community of the premise plumbing biofilm had significantly higher species richness and diversity than that of the service line, while the steel-plastics composite pipe interior lined with polyethylene (S-PE) harbored significantly more diverse biofilm than the galvanized steel pipes (S-Zn). Interestingly, S-PE was enriched with ASV27 (g_Mycobacterium), while S-Zn pipes were enriched with ASV13 (g_Pseudomonas). Moreover, the network analysis showed that five rare ASVs, not core ASVs, were keystone members in biofilm communities, indicating the importance of rare members in the function and stability of biofilm communities. This manuscript provides novel insights into real-world service lines and premise plumbing microbiology, regarding lifetime dynamics (pipe age 10-50 years), and the influences of pipe types (premise plumbing vs. service line) and pipe materials (S-Zn vs. S-PE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anran Ren
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingchen Yao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Zihan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Walter van der Meer
- Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands; Oasen Drinkwater, PO Box 122, 2800 AC, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Medema
- Oasen Drinkwater, PO Box 122, 2800 AC, Gouda, The Netherlands; KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands; Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abkar L, Moghaddam HS, Fowler SJ. Microbial ecology of drinking water from source to tap. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168077. [PMID: 37914126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
As drinking water travels from its source, through various treatment processes, hundreds to thousands of kilometres of distribution network pipes, to the taps in private homes and public buildings, it is exposed to numerous environmental changes, as well as other microbes living in both water and on surfaces. This review aims to identify the key locations and factors that are associated with changes in the drinking water microbiome throughout conventional urban drinking water systems from the source to the tap water. Over the past 15 years, improvements in cultivation-independent methods have enabled studies that allow us to answer such questions. As a result, we are beginning to move towards predicting the impacts of disturbances and interventions resulting ultimately in management of drinking water systems and microbial communities rather than mere observation. Many challenges still exist to achieve effective management, particularly within the premise plumbing environment, which exhibits diverse and inconsistent conditions that may lead to alterations in the microbiota, potentially presenting public health risks. Finally, we recommend the establishment of global collaborative projects on the drinking water microbiome that will enhance our current knowledge and lead to tools for operators and researchers alike to improve global access to high-quality drinking water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leili Abkar
- Civil Engineering Department, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | - S Jane Fowler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Huang CK, Weerasekara A, Lu J, Carter R, Weynberg KD, Thomson R, Bell S, Guo J. Extended water stagnation in buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic increases the risks posed by opportunistic pathogens. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 21:100201. [PMID: 38098883 PMCID: PMC10719583 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The regrowth and subsequent exposure of opportunistic pathogens (OPs) whilst reopening buildings that have been locked down due to the stay-at-home restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, is a public health concern. To better understand such microbiological risks due to lowered occupancy and water demand in buildings, first and post-flush water samples (n = 48) were sampled from 24 drinking water outlets from eight university buildings in two campuses (urban and rural), with various end-user occupancies. Both campuses were served with chlorinated water originating from a single drinking water distribution system in South-East Queensland, situated 14 km apart, where the rural campus had lower chlorine residuals. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods (such as flow cytometry, qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) were used concurrently to comprehensively characterise the OPs of interest (Legionella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)) and the premise plumbing microbiome. Results showed that buildings with extended levels of stagnation had higher and diverse levels of microbial growth, as observed in taxonomic structure and composition of the microbial communities. NTM were ubiquitous in all the outlets sampled, regardless of campus or end-user occupancy of the buildings. qPCR and culture demonstrated prevalent and higher concentrations of NTM in buildings (averaging 3.25 log10[estimated genomic copies/mL]) with extended stagnation in the urban campus. Furthermore, flushing the outlets for 30 minutes restored residual and total chlorine, and subsequently decreased the levels of Legionella by a reduction of 1 log. However, this approach was insufficient to restore total and residual chlorine levels for the outlets in the rural campus, where both Legionella and NTM levels detected by qPCR remained unchanged, regardless of building occupancy. Our findings highlight that regular monitoring of operational parameters such as residual chlorine levels, and the implementation of water risk management plans are important for non-healthcare public buildings, as the levels of OPs in these environments are typically not assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey K Huang
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Anjani Weerasekara
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ji Lu
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robyn Carter
- Respiratory Research Unit, Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Karen D. Weynberg
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rachel Thomson
- Respiratory Research Unit, Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, QLD 4120, Australia
- Greenslopes Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, QLD Australia
| | - Scott Bell
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yamamoto K, Tsujimura Y, Ato M. Catheter-associated Mycobacterium intracellulare biofilm infection in C3HeB/FeJ mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17148. [PMID: 37816786 PMCID: PMC10564925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) diseases are steadily increasing in prevalence and mortality worldwide. Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare, the two major pathogens of NTM diseases, are resistant to antibiotics, and chlorine, necessitating their capacity to survive in natural environments (e.g. soil and rivers) and disinfected municipal water. They can also form biofilms on artificial surfaces to provide a protective barrier and habitat for bacilli, which can cause refractory systemic disseminated NTM disease. Therefore, preventing biofilm formation by these pathogens is crucial; however, not many in vivo experimental systems and studies on NTM biofilm infection are available. This study develops a mouse model of catheter-associated systemic disseminated disease caused by M. intracellulare that reproduces the pathophysiology of catheter-associated infections observed in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. In addition, the bioluminescence system enabled noninvasive visualization of the amount and distribution of bacilli in vivo and conveniently examine the efficacy of antimicrobials. Furthermore, the cellulose-based biofilms, which were extensively formed in the tissue surrounding the catheter insertion site, reduced drug therapy effectiveness. Overall, this study provides insights into the cause of the drug resistance of NTM and may guide the development of new therapies for NTM diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Yamamoto
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Tsujimura
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Ato
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nisar MA, Ross KE, Brown MH, Bentham R, Xi J, Hinds J, Jamieson T, Leterme SC, Whiley H. The composition of planktonic prokaryotic communities in a hospital building water system depends on both incoming water and flow dynamics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120363. [PMID: 37494744 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the frequency of nosocomial infections has increased. Hospital water systems support the growth of microbes, especially opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens. In this study, planktonic prokaryotic communities present in water samples taken from hospital showers and hand basins, collected over three different sampling phases, were characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Significant differences in the abundance of various prokaryotic taxa were found through univariate and multivariate analysis. Overall, the prokaryotic communities of hospital water were taxonomically diverse and dominated by biofilm forming, corrosion causing, and potentially pathogenic bacteria. The phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria made up 96% of the relative abundance. The α-diversity measurements of prokaryotic communities showed no difference in taxa evenness and richness based on sampling sites (shower or hand basins), sampling phases (months), and presence or absence of Vermamoeba vermiformis. However, β-diversity measurements showed significant clustering of prokaryotic communities based on sampling phases, with the greatest difference observed between the samples collected in phase 1 vs phase 2/3. Importantly, significant difference was observed in prokaryotic communities based on flow dynamics of the incoming water. The Pielou's evenness diversity index revealed a significant difference (Kruskal Wallis, p < 0.05) and showed higher species richness in low flow regime (< 13 minutes water flushing per week and ≤ 765 flushing events per six months). Similarly, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index found significant differences (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05) in the prokaryotic communities of low vs medium/high flow regimes. Furthermore, linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that several biofilm forming (e.g., Pseudomonadales), corrosion causing (e.g., Desulfobacterales), extremely environmental stress resistant (e.g., Deinococcales), and potentially pathogenic (e.g., Pseudomonas) bacterial taxa were in higher amounts under low flow regime conditions. This study demonstrated that a hospital building water system consists of a complex microbiome that is shaped by incoming water quality and the building flow dynamics arising through usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atif Nisar
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Kirstin E Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Melissa H Brown
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Richard Bentham
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - James Xi
- Enware Australia Pty Ltd, Caringbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Hinds
- Enware Australia Pty Ltd, Caringbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamar Jamieson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; Institute for Nanoscience and Technology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Sophie C Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; Institute for Nanoscience and Technology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cavallaro A, Rhoads WJ, Sylvestre É, Marti T, Walser JC, Hammes F. Legionella relative abundance in shower hose biofilms is associated with specific microbiome members. FEMS MICROBES 2023; 4:xtad016. [PMID: 37705999 PMCID: PMC10496943 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella are natural inhabitants of building plumbing biofilms, where interactions with other microorganisms influence their survival, proliferation, and death. Here, we investigated the associations of Legionella with bacterial and eukaryotic microbiomes in biofilm samples extracted from 85 shower hoses of a multiunit residential building. Legionella spp. relative abundance in the biofilms ranged between 0-7.8%, of which only 0-0.46% was L. pneumophila. Our data suggest that some microbiome members were associated with high (e.g. Chthonomonas, Vrihiamoeba) or low (e.g. Aquabacterium, Vannella) Legionella relative abundance. The correlations of the different Legionella variants (30 Zero-Radius OTUs detected) showed distinct patterns, suggesting separate ecological niches occupied by different Legionella species. This study provides insights into the ecology of Legionella with respect to: (i) the colonization of a high number of real shower hoses biofilm samples; (ii) the ecological meaning of associations between Legionella and co-occurring bacterial/eukaryotic organisms; (iii) critical points and future directions of microbial-interaction-based-ecological-investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cavallaro
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - William J Rhoads
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Émile Sylvestre
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Marti
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Walser
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Genetic Diversity Centre (GDC), ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Hammes
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ashbolt NJ. Conceptual model to inform Legionella-amoebae control, including the roles of extracellular vesicles in engineered water system infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1200478. [PMID: 37274310 PMCID: PMC10232903 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1200478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs or exosomes) are well described for bacterial pathogens associated with our gastrointestinal system, and more recently as a novel mechanism for environmental persistence, dissemination and infection for human enteric viruses. However, the roles played by EVs in the ancient arms race that continues between amoebae and one of their prey, Legionella pneumophila, is poorly understood. At best we know of intracellular vesicles of amoebae containing a mix of bacterial prey species, which also provides an enhanced niche for bacteriophage infection/spread. Free-living amoeba-associated pathogens have recently been recognized to have enhanced resistance to disinfection and environmental stressors, adding to previously understood (but for relatively few species of) bacteria sequestered within amoebal cysts. However, the focus of the current work is to review the likely impacts of large numbers of respiratory-sized EVs containing numerous L. pneumophila cells studied in pure and biofilm systems with mixed prey species. These encapsulated pathogens are orders of magnitude more resistant to disinfection than free cells, and our engineered systems with residual disinfectants could promote evolution of resistance (including AMR), enhanced virulence and EV release. All these are key features for evolution within a dead-end human pathogen post lung infection. Traditional single-hit pathogen infection models used to estimate the probability of infection/disease and critical environmental concentrations via quantitative microbial risk assessments may also need to change. In short, recognizing that EV-packaged cells are highly virulent units for transmission of legionellae, which may also modulate/avoid human host immune responses. Key data gaps are raised and a previous conceptual model expanded upon to clarify where biofilm EVs could play a role promoting risk as well as inform a more wholistic management program to proactively control legionellosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Logan-Jackson AR, Batista MD, Healy W, Ullah T, Whelton AJ, Bartrand TA, Proctor C. A Critical Review on the Factors that Influence Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens: From Building Entry to Fixtures in Residences. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6360-6372. [PMID: 37036108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Residential buildings provide unique conditions for opportunistic premise plumbing pathogen (OPPP) exposure via aerosolized water droplets produced by showerheads, faucets, and tubs. The objective of this review was to critically evaluate the existing literature that assessed the impact of potentially enhancing conditions to OPPP occurrence associated with residential plumbing and to point out knowledge gaps. Comprehensive studies on the topic were found to be lacking. Major knowledge gaps identified include the assessment of OPPP growth in the residential plumbing, from building entry to fixtures, and evaluation of the extent of the impact of typical residential plumbing design (e.g., trunk and branch and manifold), components (e.g., valves and fixtures), water heater types and temperature setting of operation, and common pipe materials (copper, PEX, and PVC/CPVC). In addition, impacts of the current plumbing code requirements on OPPP responses have not been assessed by any study and a lack of guidelines for OPPP risk management in residences was identified. Finally, the research required to expand knowledge on OPPP amplification in residences was discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alshae' R Logan-Jackson
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Marylia Duarte Batista
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - William Healy
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Tania Ullah
- Building Energy and Environment Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Andrew J Whelton
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Timothy A Bartrand
- Environmental Science, Policy, and Research Institute, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004, United States
| | - Caitlin Proctor
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Community Composition and Antibiotic Resistance of Tap Water Bacteria Retained on Filtration Membranes. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Community composition and antibiotic resistance of tap water bacteria are still not known well enough. This study fills the gaps in knowledge regarding this matter. To provide representativeness of collected samples, tap water bacteria were concentrated from huge amounts of water, using filtration membranes monthly during the continuous, semi-annual study, covering winter and spring seasons. Biomass was investigated both using a culture-based method (for total and antibiotic-resistant culturable bacteria counts) and metagenomic DNA sequencing (for taxonomic identification of bacteria). The results showed that bacteria resistant to ceftazidime were the most prevalent among the studied resistance phenotypes, whereas bacteria resistant to amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline were scarce. On average, 20,059 and 26,200 CFU/mL per month was counted in the winter and spring season, respectively, whereas in terms of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, average counts were 14,270 and 9435 CFU/mL per month in the winter and spring season, respectively. In terms of bacterial community composition, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla, reaching up to 77.71%, 74.40% and 21.85%, respectively, which is supported by previous studies conducted on the same water supply network and other drinking water distribution systems across the world. No season-dependent variations were observed for culturable antibiotic-resistant bacteria or bacterial community composition. The prevalence of culturable antibiotic-resistant bacteria was not correlated with any of the identified taxa.
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang C, Clark GG, Zaki FR, Won J, Ning R, Boppart SA, Elbanna AE, Nguyen TH. Effects of phosphate and silicate on stiffness and viscoelasticity of mature biofilms developed with simulated drinking water. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:36-46. [PMID: 36847486 PMCID: PMC10065970 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2177538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms, a porous matrix of cells aggregated with extracellular polymeric substances under the influence of chemical constituents in the feed water, can develop a viscoelastic response to mechanical stresses. In this study, the roles of phosphate and silicate, common additives in corrosion control and meat processing, on the stiffness, viscoelasticity, porous structure networks, and chemical properties of biofilm were investigated. Three-year biofilms on PVC coupons were grown from sand-filtered groundwater with or without one of the non-nutrient (silicate) or nutrient additives (phosphate or phosphate blends). Compared with non-nutrient additives, the phosphate and phosphate-blend additives led to a biofilm with the lowest stiffness, most viscoelastic, and more porous structure, including more connecting throats with greater equivalent radii. The phosphate-based additives also led to more organic species in the biofilm matrix than the silicate additive did. This work demonstrated that nutrient additives could promote biomass accumulation but also reduce mechanical stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Gemma G. Clark
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Farzana R. Zaki
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Jungeun Won
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 1304 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Runsen Ning
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Stephen A. Boppart
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 506 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 1304 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 306 North Wright Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ahmed E. Elbanna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Thanh H. Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 506 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mechanism of Biofilm Formation on Installation Materials and Its Impact on the Quality of Tap Water. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In the conducted study, an attempt was made to verify and evaluate the impact of the biofilm formed on the surfaces of the installation material on the quality and sanitary safety of tap water reaching the consumer. For biofilm studies, fractal analysis and quantitative bacteriological analysis were used. The quality of tap water flowing through the experimental installation (semi-technical scale) was determined using physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The quantitative analysis of the biofilm showed that an increase in the number of microorganisms was observed in the initial phase of biofilm formation (reached 1.4 × 104 CFU/mL/cm2 on day 14). During this period, there was a chaotic build-up of bacterial cells, as evidenced by an increase in the roughness of the profile lines. Unstable elevations of the biofilm formed in this way could be easily detached from the structure of the material, which resulted in deterioration of the bacteriological quality of the water leaving the installation. The obtained results indicate that the biofilm completely and permanently covered the surface of the tested material after 25 days of testing (the surface roughness described by the fractal dimension decreased). Moreover, the favorable temperature (22.6 °C) and the recorded decrease in the content of inorganic nitrogen (by 15%), phosphorus (by 14%), and dissolved oxygen (by 15%) confirm the activity of microorganisms. The favorable environmental conditions in the installation (the presence of nutrients, low chlorine concentration, and high temperature) contributed to the secondary development of microorganisms, including pathogenic organisms in the tested waters.
Collapse
|
19
|
Cavallaro A, Rhoads WJ, Huwiler SG, Stachler E, Hammes F. Potential probiotic approaches to control Legionella in engineered aquatic ecosystems. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6604835. [PMID: 35679082 PMCID: PMC9333994 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogens belonging to the genus Legionella are among the most reported waterborne-associated pathogens in industrialized countries. Legionella colonize a variety of engineered aquatic ecosystems and persist in biofilms where they interact with a multitude of other resident microorganisms. In this review, we assess how some of these interactions could be used to develop a biological-driven “probiotic” control approach against Legionella. We focus on: (i) mechanisms limiting the ability of Legionella to establish and replicate within some of their natural protozoan hosts; (ii) exploitative and interference competitive interactions between Legionella and other microorganisms; and (iii) the potential of predatory bacteria and phages against Legionella. This field is still emergent, and we therefore specifically highlight research for future investigations, and propose perspectives on the feasibility and public acceptance of a potential probiotic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cavallaro
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.,Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - William J Rhoads
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Simona G Huwiler
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elyse Stachler
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Hammes
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rahman SME, Islam SMA, Xi Q, Han R, Oh DH, Wang J. Control of bacterial biofilms in red meat - A systematic review. Meat Sci 2022; 192:108870. [PMID: 35671629 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a serious threat in the meat industry, mainly since it aids food-borne pathogen survival. Biofilms are often difficult to eliminate, and it is essential to understand the best possible deployable measures to remove or inactivate biofilms. We systematically reviewed the published in vitro studies that investigated various methods for removing biofilms in red meat. Publicly available databases, including Google Scholar and PubMed, were queried for relevant studies. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language from 2010 to 2021. We mined a total of 394 studies, of which 12 articles were included in this review. In summary, the studies demonstrated the inhibitory effect of various methods, including the use of bacteriophages, dry heat, cold atmospheric pressure, ozone gas, oils, and acids, on red meat extract or red meat culture. This systematic review suggests that in addition to existing sanitation and antibiotic procedures, other methods, such as the use of phage cocktails and different oils as nanoparticles, yield positive outcomes and may be taken from the in vitro setting to industry with prior validation of the techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M E Rahman
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - S M A Islam
- Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Qian Xi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
| | - Rongwei Han
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; Shandong Engineering Technology Research Center of Food Quality and Safety Control, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Deog-Hwan Oh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; Shandong Engineering Technology Research Center of Food Quality and Safety Control, Qingdao 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Proctor C, Garner E, Hamilton KA, Ashbolt NJ, Caverly LJ, Falkinham JO, Haas CN, Prevost M, Prevots DR, Pruden A, Raskin L, Stout J, Haig SJ. Tenets of a holistic approach to drinking water-associated pathogen research, management, and communication. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:117997. [PMID: 34999316 PMCID: PMC8821414 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, drinking water-associated pathogens that can cause infections in immunocompromised or otherwise susceptible individuals (henceforth referred to as DWPI), sometimes referred to as opportunistic pathogens or opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens, have received considerable attention. DWPI research has largely been conducted by experts focusing on specific microorganisms or within silos of expertise. The resulting mitigation approaches optimized for a single microorganism may have unintended consequences and trade-offs for other DWPI or other interests (e.g., energy costs and conservation). For example, the ecological and epidemiological issues characteristic of Legionella pneumophila diverge from those relevant for Mycobacterium avium and other nontuberculous mycobacteria. Recent advances in understanding DWPI as part of a complex microbial ecosystem inhabiting drinking water systems continues to reveal additional challenges: namely, how can all microorganisms of concern be managed simultaneously? In order to protect public health, we must take a more holistic approach in all aspects of the field, including basic research, monitoring methods, risk-based mitigation techniques, and policy. A holistic approach will (i) target multiple microorganisms simultaneously, (ii) involve experts across several disciplines, and (iii) communicate results across disciplines and more broadly, proactively addressing source water-to-customer system management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Proctor
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Emily Garner
- Wadsworth Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and The Biodesign Centre for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast. Queensland, Australia
| | - Lindsay J Caverly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Charles N Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele Prevost
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - D Rebecca Prevots
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Pruden
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Lutgarde Raskin
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janet Stout
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, and Special Pathogens Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah-Jane Haig
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Voglauer EM, Zwirzitz B, Thalguter S, Selberherr E, Wagner M, Rychli K. Biofilms in Water Hoses of a Meat Processing Environment Harbor Complex Microbial Communities. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:832213. [PMID: 35237250 PMCID: PMC8882869 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.832213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Safe and hygienic water distribution is essential for maintaining product quality and safety. It is known that biofilms alter the appearance and microbial quality of water along the distribution chain. Yet, biofilms in water hoses throughout the food processing environment have not been investigated in detail. Here, microbial communities from water hoses and other environmental sites in contact with water, in addition to the source water itself, were studied in the meat processing environment. Biofilms were present in all water hoses as determined by the presence of bacterial DNA and biofilm matrix components (carbohydrates, extracellular DNA, and proteins). The microbial community of the biofilms was dominated by Proteobacteria, represented mainly by Comamonadaceae and Pseudoxanthomonas. Moreover, genera that are associated with an intracellular lifestyle (e.g., Neochlamydia and Legionella) were present. Overall, the microbial community of biofilms was less diverse than the water microbial community, while those from the different sample sites were distinct from each other. Indeed, only a few phyla were shared between the water hose biofilm and the source water or associated environmental samples. This study provides first insights towards understanding the microbiota of water hose biofilms in the food processing environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Voglauer
- FFoQSI GmbH—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Tulln, Austria
| | - Benjamin Zwirzitz
- FFoQSI GmbH—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Tulln, Austria
| | - Sarah Thalguter
- FFoQSI GmbH—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Tulln, Austria
| | - Evelyne Selberherr
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- FFoQSI GmbH—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Tulln, Austria
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Rychli
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Rychli,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ye C, Xian X, Bao R, Zhang Y, Feng M, Lin W, Yu X. Recovery of microbiological quality of long-term stagnant tap water in university buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150616. [PMID: 34592279 PMCID: PMC9752782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Stagnant water can cause water quality deterioration and, in particular, microbiological contaminations, posing potential health risks to occupants. University buildings were unoccupied with little water usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's an opportunity to study microbiological quality of long-term stagnant water (LTSW) in university buildings. The tap water samples were collected for three months from four types of campus buildings to monitor water quality and microbial risks after long-term stagnation. Specifically, the residual chlorine, turbidity, and iron/zinc were disqualified, and the heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) exceeded the Chinese national standard above 100 times. It took 4-54 days for these parameters to recover to the routine levels. Six species of pathogens were detected with high frequency and levels (101-105 copies/100 mL). Remarkably, L. pneumophilia occurred in 91% of samples with turbidity > 1 NTU. The absence of the culturable cells for these bacteria possibly implied their occurrence in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) status. The bacterial community of the stagnant tap water differed significantly and reached a steady state in more than 50 days. Furthermore, a high concentration of endotoxin (>10 EU/mL) was found in LTSW, which was in accordance with the high proportion of dead bacteria. The results suggested that the increased microbiological risks require more attention and the countermeasures before the building reopens should be taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengsong Ye
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Xuanxuan Xian
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Ruihan Bao
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Mingbao Feng
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Wenfang Lin
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Xin Yu
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
De Giglio O, Napoli C, Diella G, Fasano F, Lopuzzo M, Apollonio F, D'Ambrosio M, Campanale C, Triggiano F, Caggiano G, Montagna MT. Integrated approach for legionellosis risk analysis in touristic-recreational facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111649. [PMID: 34252427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Legionellosis is a severe pneumonia caused by the inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella, Gram-negative bacteria present in the water systems of touristic-recreational facilities. The purpose of this study was to develop a scoring tool to predict the risk of both environmental contamination and Legionnaires' disease cases in such facilities in the Apulia region of southern Italy. We analyzed 47 structural and management parameters/risk factors related to the buildings, water systems, and air conditioning at the facilities. A Poisson regression model was used to compute an overall risk score for each facility with respect to three outcomes: water samples positive for Legionella (risk score range: 7-54), water samples positive for Legionella with an average load exceeding 1000 colony-forming units per liter (CFU/L) (risk score range: 22-179,871), and clinical cases of Legionnaire's disease (risk score range: 6-31). The cut-off values for three outcomes were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves (first outcome, samples positive for Legionella in a touristic-recreational facility: 19; second outcome, samples positive for Legionella in a touristic-recreational facility with an average load exceeding 1000 CFU/L: 2062; third outcome, clinical cases of Legionnaire's disease in a touristic-recreational facility: 22). Above these values, there was a significant probability of observing the outcome. We constructed this predictive model using 70% of a large dataset (18 years of clinical and environmental surveillance) and tested the model on the remaining 30% of the dataset to demonstrate its reliability. Our model enables the assessment of risk for a touristic facility and the creation of a conceptual framework to link the risk analysis with prevention measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osvalda De Giglio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giusy Diella
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Fasano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Marco Lopuzzo
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesca Apollonio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Marilena D'Ambrosio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Carmen Campanale
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Triggiano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Caggiano
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Webster TM, McFarland A, Gebert MJ, Oliverio AM, Nichols LM, Dunn RR, Hartmann EM, Fierer N. Structure and Functional Attributes of Bacterial Communities in Premise Plumbing Across the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14105-14114. [PMID: 34606240 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbes that thrive in premise plumbing can have potentially important effects on human health. Yet, how and why plumbing-associated microbial communities vary across broad spatial scales remain undetermined. We characterized the bacterial communities in 496 showerheads collected from across the continental United States. The overall community structure, determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, revealed high levels of bacterial diversity. Although a large fraction of the observed variation in community composition could not be explained, differences in bacterial community composition were associated with water supply (private well water vs public municipal water), water source (groundwater vs surface water), and associated differences in water chemistry (pH and chlorine). Most notably, showerheads in homes supplied with public water had higher abundances of Blastomonas, Mycobacterium, and Porphyrobacter, while Pseudorhodoplanes, Novosphingobium, and Nitrospira were more abundant in those receiving private well water. We conducted shotgun metagenomic analyses on 92 of these samples to assess differences in genomic attributes. Public water-sourced showerheads had communities enriched in genes related to lipid and xenobiotic metabolisms, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance. In contrast, genes associated with oxidative stress and membrane transporters were over-represented in communities from private well water-sourced showerheads compared to those supplied by public water systems. These results highlight the broad diversity of bacteria found in premise plumbing across the United States and the role of the water source and treatment in shaping the microbial community structure and functional potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Webster
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Alexander McFarland
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Matthew J Gebert
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States
| | - Angela M Oliverio
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States
| | - Lauren M Nichols
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Robert R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1050, Denmark
| | - Erica M Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Noah Fierer
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yui S, Karia K, Ali S, Muzslay M, Wilson P. Thermal disinfection at suboptimal temperature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on copper pipe and shower hose materials. J Hosp Infect 2021; 117:103-110. [PMID: 34428505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital-acquired infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been linked to contaminated shower systems in health care. Thermal disinfection, whereby colonized outlets are flushed with existing hot water supplies, is a commonly used method to disinfect contaminated systems. Temperatures of 60°C are recommended for inactivation of P. aeruginosa; however, this is often not achievable at outlets. AIM To investigate whether thermal disinfection at a suboptimal temperature (58°C) can effectively eradicate planktonic P. aeruginosa and biofilm adherent on copper piping and shower hoses. Exposure times of up to 60 min and efficacy of repeated cycles were evaluated. METHODS A type culture and an environmental strain of P. aeruginosa isolated from a hospital shower were tested. Planktonic bacteria and biofilm adhered to sections of copper pipe and shower hoses were exposed to water at 58°C for up to 60 min. Biofilms were tested with static water, flushing water and repeated cycles of disinfection. Remaining viable bacteria after disinfection were enumerated. FINDINGS Planktonic P. aeruginosa remained viable after up to 60 min of thermal disinfection. With static water, biofilm was removed from copper piping after 15 min, but remained viable in shower hoses for up to 60 min. With thermal flushing, biofilm was fully eradicated from copper piping after 2 min, but remained viable on shower hoses. Repeated cycles did not shorten thermal disinfection exposure times. CONCLUSION Thermal disinfection at 58°C was effective at eliminating biofilm on copper; however, biofilm on shower hoses remained viable after 60 min of exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Yui
- Environmental Research Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
| | - K Karia
- Environmental Research Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Ali
- Environmental Research Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Muzslay
- Environmental Research Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - P Wilson
- Environmental Research Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The role of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilm communities: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2717-2729. [PMID: 34292376 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in healthy contact lens wearers. Amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed in nature, living either freely or as parasites, and are frequently associated with biofilms throughout the environment. These biofilms provide the parasite with protection against external aggression, thus favoring its increased pathogeny. This review aims to assess observational studies on the association between Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms, opening potential lines of research on this severe ocular infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020 in the following databases: PubMed Central®/Medline, LILACS, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE®. The studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifically defined for this review. Electronic research recovered 353 publications in the literature. However, none of the studies met the inclusion criterion of biofilm-producing Acanthamoeba spp., inferring that the parasite does not produce biofilms. Nonetheless, 78 studies were classified as potentially included regarding any association of Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms. These studies were allocated across six different locations (hospital, aquatic, ophthalmic and dental environments, biofilms produced by bacteria, and other places). Acanthamoeba species use biofilms produced by other microorganisms for their benefit, in addition to them providing protection to and facilitating the dissemination of pathogens residing in them.
Collapse
|
28
|
Li N, Li X, Zhang HJ, Fan XY, Liu YK. Microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes of biofilm on pipes and their interactions in domestic hot water system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144364. [PMID: 33429277 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the dynamics of microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during biofilm formation on polypropylene random (PPR), polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel pipes in domestic hot water system (DHWS), as well as their interactions. Full-scale classification was used to divide abundant and rare genera with 0.1% and 1% as the thresholds. The biofilm community structure presented a temporal pattern, which was mainly determined by conditionally rare or abundant taxa (CRAT) and conditionally rare taxa (CRT). The dynamics of microbial community during biofilm formation were observed, and the effect of pipe material on conditionally abundant taxa (CAT) and CRAT was greater than CRT and rare taxa (RT). CRAT showed the most complex internal associations and were identified as the core taxa. Notably, CRT and RT with low relative abundance, also played an important role in the network. For potential pathogens, 17 genera were identified in this study, and their total relative abundance was the highest (3.6-28.9%) in PPR samples. Enterococcus of CRAT was the dominant potential pathogen in young biofilms. There were 36 more co-exclusion patterns (140) observed between potential pathogens and nonpathogenic bacteria than co-occurrence (104). A total of 38 ARGs were predicted, and 109 negative and 165 positive correlations were detected between them. Some potential pathogens (Escherichia/Shigella and Burkholderia) and nonpathogenic bacteria (Meiothermus and Sphingopyxis) were identified as the possible hosts of ARGs. This study is helpful for a comprehensive understanding of the biofilm microbial community and ARGs, and provides a reference for the management and biosafety guarantee of newly-built DHWS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xing Li
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Hui-Jin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Fan
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Yuan-Kun Liu
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Schulze A, Mitterer F, Pombo JP, Schild S. Biofilms by bacterial human pathogens: Clinical relevance - development, composition and regulation - therapeutical strategies. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2021; 8:28-56. [PMID: 33553418 PMCID: PMC7841849 DOI: 10.15698/mic2021.02.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Notably, bacterial biofilm formation is increasingly recognized as a passive virulence factor facilitating many infectious disease processes. In this review we will focus on bacterial biofilms formed by human pathogens and highlight their relevance for diverse diseases. Along biofilm composition and regulation emphasis is laid on the intensively studied biofilms of Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp., which are commonly used as biofilm model organisms and therefore contribute to our general understanding of bacterial biofilm (patho-)physiology. Finally, therapeutical intervention strategies targeting biofilms will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adina Schulze
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstrasse 50, 8010 Graz, Austria
- A.S. and F.M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Fabian Mitterer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstrasse 50, 8010 Graz, Austria
- A.S. and F.M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Joao P. Pombo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstrasse 50, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Schild
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstrasse 50, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence Biohealth – University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Management of Microbiological Contamination of the Water Network of a Newly Built Hospital Pavilion. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010075. [PMID: 33467059 PMCID: PMC7829805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological quality of water from a newly built pavilion before it commenced operation. Overall, 91 water samples were tested for coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella at three different times: T0 (without any water treatment), T1 (after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and silver ions at initial concentration of 20 mg/L and after flushing of water for 20 min/day for seven successive days) and T2 (15 days later). Coliforms were detected in 47.3% of samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 4.4% at T2. E. coli was isolated in 4.4% of the samples only at T1, while enterococci appeared in 12.1% of the samples at T1 and in 2.2% at T2. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 50.5% of the samples at T0, 29.7% at T1 and 1.1% at T2. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 8 was isolated in 80.2% of the samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 2.2% at T2. Our results confirmed the need for a water safety plan in new hospital pavilions to prevent the risk of waterborne diseases.
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kasuga I, Suzuki M, Kurisu F, Furumai H. Molecular-level characterization of biodegradable organic matter causing microbial regrowth in drinking water by non-target screening using Orbitrap mass spectrometry. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116130. [PMID: 32731039 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ikuro Kasuga
- Department of Urban Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Miyu Suzuki
- Department of Urban Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Futoshi Kurisu
- Research Center for Water Environment Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Furumai
- Research Center for Water Environment Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Proctor CR, Rhoads WJ, Keane T, Salehi M, Hamilton K, Pieper KJ, Cwiertny DM, Prévost M, Whelton AJ. Considerations for large building water quality after extended stagnation. AWWA WATER SCIENCE 2020; 2:e1186. [PMID: 32838226 DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/qvj3b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented number of building closures related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is concerning because water stagnation will occur in many buildings that do not have water management plans in place. Stagnant water can have chemical and microbiological contaminants that pose potential health risks to occupants. Health officials, building owners, utilities, and other entities are rapidly developing guidance to address this issue, but the scope, applicability, and details included in the guidance vary widely. To provide a primer of large building water system preventative and remedial strategies, peer-reviewed, government, industry, and nonprofit literature relevant to water stagnation and decontamination practices for plumbing was synthesized. Preventative practices to help avoid the need for recommissioning (e.g., routine flushing) and specific actions, challenges, and limitations associated with recommissioning were identified and characterized. Considerations for worker and occupant safety were also indicated. The intended audience of this work includes organizations developing guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R Proctor
- Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
| | - William J Rhoads
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Virginia Tech Blacksburg Virginia
| | - Tim Keane
- Legionella Risk Management, Inc. Chalfont Pennsylvania
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil Engineering University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe Arizona
| | - Kelsey J Pieper
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa
- Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa
- Public Policy Center University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa
| | - Michele Prévost
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Polytechnique Montreal Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Andrew J Whelton
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Okubo K, Ito T, Okamoto K, Yamamoto I, Mizutani H, Kawata Y, Shiota Y, Ito M, Nakamura S, Tai M, Yamamoto T, Takashiba S. Evaluation of the simulator with automatic irrigation control system designed for countermeasures of internal contamination in dental unit water lines. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04132. [PMID: 32566782 PMCID: PMC7298401 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04132] [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: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of nosocomial infections is an imperative task. The dental chair unit (DCU) is an indispensable device used in dental treatment. However, it is known that the dental unit water line (DUWL) can become contaminated with biofilm, consisting mainly of heterotrophic bacteria (HB). Recently, the International Organization for Standardization specified the methods for testing DUWL contamination management. On these grounds, a simulator reproducing DUWL was prepared to standardize the examination method of the DUWL contamination. Objectives To evaluate the reproducibility of the DUWL simulator, monitor the DUWL contamination states, and test the efficacy of a commercial decontaminant for DUWL. Methods The DUWL simulator was assembled by a DCU manufacturing company. The simulator's DUWL was filled with tap water (TW), and left for approximately one year. Neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) was used as a decontaminant for DUWL. Both TW and NEW were passed through DUWL in a timely manner simulating daily dental treatment. Water was sampled from the air turbine hand piece weekly for 4 weeks and used for HB culture. Contamination status was evaluated by measuring bacterial adenosine triphosphate release and by culturing on Reasoner's 2A medium. Results The DUWL released contaminated water had a bacterial count of over 6 × 104 cfu/mL. After passing NEW through DUWL for 1 week, the count drastically decreased to its basal level and remained steady for 4 weeks. However, TW showed no effect on DUWL decontamination throughout the examination periods. Conclusions The DUWL simulator could be useful to examine the efficacy of the decontaminant for DUWL and development of new methods in DUWL contamination management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Okubo
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.,Division of Dentistry, Tottori Municipal Hospital, 1-1 Matoba Tottori, Tottori 680-0501, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yamamoto
- Dental Department Marketing Division, TAKARA BELMONT Corporation, 2-1-1 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0083, Japan
| | - Hajime Mizutani
- Research and Development Department, TAKARA BELMONT Corporation, 2-1-1 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0083, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawata
- Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Shiota
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ito
- Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shin Nakamura
- Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masako Tai
- Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamamoto
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shogo Takashiba
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Feeding the Building Plumbing Microbiome: The Importance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials for Biofilm Formation and Management. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12061774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The environmental conditions in building plumbing systems differ considerably from the larger distribution system and, as a consequence, uncontrolled changes in the drinking water microbiome through selective growth can occur. In this regard, synthetic polymeric plumbing materials are of particular relevance, since they leach assimilable organic carbon that can be utilized for bacterial growth. Here, we discuss the complexity of building plumbing in relation to microbial ecology, especially in the context of low-quality synthetic polymeric materials (i.e., plastics) and highlight the major knowledge gaps in the field. We furthermore show how knowledge on the interaction between material properties (e.g., carbon migration) and microbiology (e.g., growth rate) allows for the quantification of initial biofilm development in buildings. Hence, research towards a comprehensive understanding of these processes and interactions will enable the implementation of knowledge-based management strategies. We argue that the exclusive use of high-quality materials in new building plumbing systems poses a straightforward strategy towards managing the building plumbing microbiome. This can be achieved through comprehensive material testing and knowledge sharing between all stakeholders including architects, planners, plumbers, material producers, home owners, and scientists.
Collapse
|
36
|
Proctor CR, Rhoads WJ, Keane T, Salehi M, Hamilton K, Pieper KJ, Cwiertny DM, Prévost M, Whelton AJ. Considerations for Large Building Water Quality after Extended Stagnation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 2:e1186. [PMID: 32838226 PMCID: PMC7323006 DOI: 10.1002/aws2.1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented number of building closures related to the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic is concerning because water stagnation will occur in many buildings that do not have water management plans in place. Stagnant water can have chemical and microbiological contaminants that pose potential health risks to occupants. Health officials, building owners, utilities, and other entities are rapidly developing guidance to address this issue, but the scope, applicability, and details included in the guidance vary widely. To provide a primer of large building water system preventative and remedial strategies, peer‐reviewed, government, industry, and nonprofit literature relevant to water stagnation and decontamination practices for plumbing was synthesized. Preventative practices to help avoid the need for recommissioning (e.g., routine flushing) and specific actions, challenges, and limitations associated with recommissioning were identified and characterized. Considerations for worker and occupant safety were also indicated. The intended audience of this work includes organizations developing guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R Proctor
- Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN
| | - William J Rhoads
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA
| | - Tim Keane
- Consulting Engineer, Legionella Risk Management, Inc PA
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil Engineering University of Memphis Memphis TN
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Arizona State University Tempe AZ
| | - Kelsey J Pieper
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Northeastern University Boston MA
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 4105 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences University of Iowa Iowa City IA.,Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, 251 North Capitol Street, Chemistry Building - Room W195 University of Iowa Iowa City IA.,Public Policy Center, 310 South Grand Ave, 209 South Quadrangle University of Iowa Iowa City IA
| | - Michele Prévost
- Professor and Principal Chairholder, NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal CP Québec Canada
| | - Andrew J Whelton
- Purdue University, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering West Lafayette IN
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wagner EM, Pracser N, Thalguter S, Fischel K, Rammer N, Pospíšilová L, Alispahic M, Wagner M, Rychli K. Identification of biofilm hotspots in a meat processing environment: Detection of spoilage bacteria in multi-species biofilms. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 328:108668. [PMID: 32474228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are comprised of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix that normally adhere to a surface. In the food processing environment they are suggested to be a source of contamination leading to food spoilage or the transmission of food-borne pathogens. To date, research has mainly focused on the presence of (biofilm-forming) bacteria within food processing environments, without measuring the associated biofilm matrix components. Here, we assessed the presence of biofilms within a meat processing environment, processing pork, poultry and beef, by the detection of microorganisms and at least two biofilm matrix components. Sampling included 47 food contact surfaces and 61 non-food contact surfaces from eleven rooms within an Austrian meat processing plant, either during operation or after cleaning and disinfection. The 108 samples were analysed for the presence of microorganisms by cultivation and targeted quantitative real-time PCR based on 16S rRNA. Furthermore, the presence of the major matrix components carbohydrates, extracellular DNA and proteins was evaluated. Overall, we identified ten biofilm hotspots, among them seven of which were sampled during operation and three after cleaning and disinfection. Five biofilms were detected on food contact surfaces (cutters and associated equipment and a screw conveyor) and five on non-food contact surfaces (drains and water hoses) resulting in 9.3 % of the sites being classified as biofilm positive. From these biofilm positive samples, we cultivated bacteria of 29 different genera. The most prevalent bacteria belonged to the genera Brochothrix (present in 80 % of biofilms), Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter (isolated from 70 % biofilms). From each biofilm we isolated bacteria from four to twelve different genera, indicating the presence of multi-species biofilms. This work ultimately determined the presence of multi-species biofilms within the meat processing environment, thereby identifying various sources of potential contamination. Especially the identification of biofilms in water hoses and associated parts highlights the need of a frequent monitoring at these sites. The knowledge gained about the presence and composition of biofilms (i.e. chemical and microbiological) will help to prevent and reduce biofilm formation within food processing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Wagner
- FFoQSI GmbH - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Nadja Pracser
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Food Microbiology, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Thalguter
- FFoQSI GmbH - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Katharina Fischel
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Food Microbiology, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Rammer
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Food Microbiology, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucie Pospíšilová
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Bacteriology, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Merima Alispahic
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Clinical Unit of Poultry Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- FFoQSI GmbH - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, 3430 Tulln, Austria; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Food Microbiology, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Rychli
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Food Microbiology, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Flemming HC. Biofouling and me: My Stockholm syndrome with biofilms. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 173:115576. [PMID: 32044598 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling is the undesired deposition and growth of microorganisms on surfaces, forming biofilms. The definition is subjective and operational: not every biofilm causes biofouling - only if a given a subjective "threshold of interference" is exceeded, biofilms cause technical or medical problems. These range from the formation of slime layers on ship hulls or in pipelines, which increase friction resistance, to separation membranes, on which biofilms increase hydraulic resistance, to heat exchangers where they interfere with heat transport to contamination of treated water by eroded biofilm cells which may comprise hygienically relevant microorganisms, and, most dangerous, to biofilms on implants and catheters which can cause persistent infections. The largest fraction of anti-fouling research, usually in short-term experiments, is focused on prevention or limiting primary microbial adhesion. Intuitively, this appears only logical, but turns out mostly hopeless. This is because in technical systems with open access for microorganisms, all surfaces are colonized sooner or later which explains the very limited success of that research. As a result, the use of biocides remains the major tool to fight persistent biofilms. However, this is costly in terms of biocides, it stresses working materials, causes off-time and environmental damage and it usually leaves large parts of biofilms in place, ready for regrowth. In order to really solve biofouling problems, it is necessary to learn how to live with biofilms and mitigate their detrimental effects. This requires rather an integrated strategy than aiming to invent "one-shot" solutions. In this context, it helps to understand the biofilm way of life as a natural phenomenon. Biofilms are the oldest, most successful and most widely distributed form of life on earth, existing even in extreme environments and being highly resilient. Microorganisms in biofilms live in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which allows them to develop emerging properties such as enhanced nutrient acquisition, synergistic microconsortia, enhanced tolerance to biocides and antibiotics, intense intercellular communication and cooperation. Transiently immobilized, biofilm organisms turn their matrix into an external digestion system by retaining complexed exoenzymes in the matrix. Biofilms grow even on traces of any biodegradable material, therefore, an effective anti-fouling strategy comprises to keep the system low in nutrients (good housekeeping), employing low-fouling, easy-to-clean surfaces, monitoring of biofilm development, allowing for early intervention, and acknowledging that cleaning can be more important than trying to kill biofilms, because cleaning does not cut the nutrient supply of survivors and dead biomass serves as an additional carbon source for "cannibalizing" survivors, supporting rapid after growth. An integrated concept is presented as the result of a long journey of the author through biofouling problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Curt Flemming
- Water Academy, Schloss-Strasse 40, D-88045, Friedrichshafen, Germany; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141, Essen, Germany; IWW Water Centre, Moritzstrasse 26, 45476, Muelheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Paniagua AT, Paranjape K, Hu M, Bédard E, Faucher SP. Impact of temperature on Legionella pneumophila, its protozoan host cells, and the microbial diversity of the biofilm community of a pilot cooling tower. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 712:136131. [PMID: 31931228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne bacterium known for causing Legionnaires' Disease, a severe pneumonia. Cooling towers are a major source of outbreaks, since they provide ideal conditions for L. pneumophila growth and produce aerosols. In such systems, L. pneumophila typically grow inside protozoan hosts. Several abiotic factors such as water temperature, pipe material and disinfection regime affect the colonization of cooling towers by L. pneumophila. The local physical and biological factors promoting the growth of L. pneumophila in water systems and its spatial distribution are not well understood. Therefore, we built a lab-scale cooling tower to study the dynamics of L. pneumophila colonization in relationship to the resident microbiota and spatial distribution. The pilot was filled with water from an operating cooling tower harboring low levels of L. pneumophila. It was seeded with Vermamoeba vermiformis, a natural host of L. pneumophila, and then inoculated with L. pneumophila. After 92 days of operation, the pilot was disassembled, the water was collected, and biofilm was extracted from the pipes. The microbiome was studied using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes amplicon sequencing. The communities of the water and of the biofilm were highly dissimilar. The relative abundance of Legionella in water samples reached up to 11% whereas abundance in the biofilm was extremely low (≤0.5%). In contrast, the host cells were mainly present in the biofilm. This suggests that L. pneumophila grows in host cells associated with biofilm and is then released back into the water following host cell lysis. In addition, water temperature shaped the bacterial and eukaryotic community of the biofilm, indicating that different parts of the systems may have different effects on Legionella growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Torres Paniagua
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kiran Paranjape
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Mengqi Hu
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Emilie Bédard
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Sébastien P Faucher
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Huang C, Shen Y, Smith RL, Dong S, Nguyen TH. Effect of disinfectant residuals on infection risks from Legionella pneumophila released by biofilms grown under simulated premise plumbing conditions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105561. [PMID: 32088542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of biofilms in premise plumbing and stagnation, which commonly occurs in premise plumbing, can exacerbate the decay of chlorine residual in drinking water. Using biofilms grown in a simulated premise plumbing setup fed directly with freshly treated water at two full-scale water treatment plants, we previously determined the mass transfer coefficients for chlorine decay in premise plumbing. These coefficients coupled with inactivation kinetics of L. pneumophila released from biofilms reported previously were integrated into a Monte Carlo framework to estimate the infection risk of biofilm-derived L. pneumophila from 1 to 48 h of stagnation. The annual infection risk was significantly higher when water stayed stagnant for up to 48 h in pipes covered internally with biofilms, compared to clean pipes without biofilms. The decay of residual chlorine due to biofilms during 48-hour stagnation led to up to 6 times increase in the annual infection risk compared to the case where biofilms was absent. Global sensitivity analysis revealed that the rate of L. pneumophila detachment from biofilms and the decay of chlorine residual during stagnation are the two most important factors influencing the infection risks. Stagnation caused by water use patterns and water-saving devices in the premise plumbing can lead to increased infection risk by biofilm-derived L. pneumophila. Overall, this study's findings suggested that biofilms could induce chlorine decay and consequently increase L. pneumophila infection risk. Thus, reducing stagnation, maintaining residual chlorine, and suppressing biofilm growth could contribute to better management of L. pneumophila infection risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Yun Shen
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Rebecca L Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Shengkun Dong
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Water Security Regulation and Control for Southern China, Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Water Security in Southern China of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
De Sotto R, Tang R, Bae S. Biofilms in premise plumbing systems as a double-edged sword: microbial community composition and functional profiling of biofilms in a tropical region. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:172-185. [PMID: 32300090 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To understand distributions of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) and microbial community structures governed by sample location, pipe materials, water temperature, age of property and type of house, 29 biofilm samples obtained from faucets, pipes, and shower heads in different households in Singapore were examined using next-generation sequencing technology. Predictive functional profiling of the biofilm communities was also performed to understand the potential of uncultivated microorganisms in premise plumbing systems and their involvement in various metabolic pathways. Microbial community analysis showed Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Nitrospira, and Actinobacteria to be the most abundant phyla across the samples which was found to be significantly different when grouped by age of the properties, location, and the type of house. Meanwhile, opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens such as Mycobacterium, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Methylobacterium were observed from the samples at 0.5% of the total reads. Functional prediction using 16S gene markers revealed the involvement of the biofilm communities in different metabolic pathways like nitrogen metabolism, biodegradation of xenobiotics, and bacterial secretion implying diverse functionalities that are yet to be studied in this environment. This study serves as a preliminary survey on the microbial communities harboring premise plumbing systems in a tropical region like Singapore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan De Sotto
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore E-mail:
| | - Rena Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore E-mail:
| | - Sungwoo Bae
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ahmad JI, Liu G, van der Wielen PWJJ, Medema G, Peter van der Hoek J. Effects of cold recovery technology on the microbial drinking water quality in unchlorinated distribution systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109175. [PMID: 31999996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) are used to supply hygienically safe and biologically stable water for human consumption. The potential of thermal energy recovery from drinking water has been explored recently to provide cooling for buildings. Yet, the effects of increased water temperature induced by this "cold recovery" on the water quality in DWDSs are not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of cold recovery from DWDSs on the microbiological quality of drinking water. For this purpose, three pilot distribution systems were operated in parallel for 38 weeks. System 1 has an operational heat exchanger, mimicking the cold recovery system by maintaining the water temperature at 25 °C; system 2 operated with a non-operational heat exchanger and system 3 run without heat exchanger. The results showed no significant effects on drinking water quality: cell numbers and ATP concentrations remained around 3.5 × 105 cells/ml and 4 ng ATP/l, comparable observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (~470-490) and similar Shannon indices (7.7-8.9). In the system with cold recovery, a higher relative abundance of Pseudomonas spp. and Chryseobacterium spp. was observed in the drinking water microbial community, but only when the cold recovery induced temperature difference (ΔT) was higher than 9 °C. In the 38 weeks' old biofilm, higher ATP concentration (475 vs. 89 pg/cm2), lower diversity (observed OTUs: 88 vs. ≥200) and a different bacterial community composition (e.g. higher relative abundance of Novosphingobium spp.) were detected, which did not influence water quality. No impacts were observed for the selected opportunisitic pathogens after introducing cold recovery. It is concluded that cold recovery does not affect bacterial water quality. Further investigation for a longer period is commended to understand the dynamic responses of biofilm to the increased temperature caused by cold recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jawairia Imtiaz Ahmad
- Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA, Delft, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, H-12 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Gang Liu
- Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA, Delft, the Netherlands; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China.
| | - Paul W J J van der Wielen
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8033, 6700, EH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Medema
- Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA, Delft, the Netherlands; KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Michigan State University, 1405, S Harrison Rd East-Lansing, 48823, USA
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA, Delft, the Netherlands; Waternet, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7, 1096 AC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li W, Tan Q, Zhou W, Chen J, Li Y, Wang F, Zhang J. Impact of substrate material and chlorine/chloramine on the composition and function of a young biofilm microbial community as revealed by high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125310. [PMID: 31896192 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial composition of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems is significantly impacted by the disinfection regime and substrate material. However, studies that have addressed the changes in the biofilm community during the early stage of formation (less than 10 weeks) were not yet adequate. Here, we explore the effects of the substrate materials (cast iron, stainless steel, copper, polyvinyl chloride, and high density polyethylene) and different disinfectants (chlorine and chloramine) on the community composition and function of young biofilm by using 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed that Alphaproteobacteria (39.14%-80.87%) and Actinobacteria (5.90%-40.03%) were the dominant classes in chlorine-disinfection samples, while Alphaproteobacteria (17.46%-74.18%) and Betaproteobacteria (3.79%-68.50%) became dominant in a chloraminated group. The infrequently discussed genus Phreatobacter became predominant in the chlorinated samples, but it was inhibited by chloramine and copper ions. The key driver of the community composition was indicated as different disinfectants according to principle coordination analysis (PCoA) and Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (Adonis test), and the bacterial community changed significantly over time. Communities of biofilms grown on cast iron showed a great distance from the other materials according to Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, and they had a unique dominant genus, Dechloromonas. A metagenomics prediction based on 16S rDNA was used to detect the functional pathways of antibiotic biosynthesis and beta-lactam resistance, and it revealed that several pathways were significantly different in terms of their chlorinated and chloraminated groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Qiaowen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jiping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Water Environment Technology, MCC Huatian Engineering and Technology Corporation, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210019, China
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cates EL, Torkzadeh H. Can incorporation of UVC LEDs into showerheads prevent opportunistic respiratory pathogens? - Microbial behavior and device design considerations. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 168:115163. [PMID: 31614239 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory infections from opportunistic bacterial pathogens (OBPs) have heightened research interests in drinking water distribution systems, premise plumbing, and point-of-use technologies. In particular, biofilm growth in showerheads increases OBP content, and inhalation of shower aerosols is a major exposure route for Legionellae and Mycobacteria infections. Incorporation of UVC LEDs into showerheads has thus been proposed as a point-of-use option for healthcare facilities. Herein we have examined incongruities between the nature of OBP contamination in shower water and the hypothetical application of conventional UV disinfection engineering concepts. Effective UV dosing within showerheads must overcome significant shielding effects imparted by the biological matrices in which common OBPs reside, including biofilm particles and protozoan hosts. Furthermore, prevention of biofilm growth in showerhead interiors requires a different UV irradiation approach and is lacking in established design parameters. Development of showerhead devices is also likely to face a trade-off between bathing functionality and simpler form factors that are more conducive to internal UV irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezra L Cates
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA.
| | - Hamed Torkzadeh
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Neu L, Proctor CR, Walser JC, Hammes F. Small-Scale Heterogeneity in Drinking Water Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2446. [PMID: 31736893 PMCID: PMC6828615 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm heterogeneity has been characterized on various scales for both natural and engineered ecosystems. This heterogeneity has been attributed to spatial differences in environmental factors. Understanding their impact on localized biofilm heterogeneity in building plumbing systems is important for both management and representative sampling strategies. We assessed heterogeneity within the confined engineered ecosystem of a shower hose by high-resolution sampling (200 individual biofilm sections per hose) on varying scales (μm to m). We postulated that a biofilm grown on a single material under uniform conditions should be homogeneous in its structure, bacterial numbers, and community composition. A biofilm grown for 12 months under controlled laboratory conditions, showed homogeneity on large-scale. However, some small-scale heterogeneity was clearly observed. For example, biofilm thickness of cm-sections varied up to 4-fold, total cell concentrations (TCC) 3-fold, and relative abundance of dominant taxa up to 5-fold. A biofilm grown under real (i.e., uncontrolled) use conditions developed considerably more heterogeneity in all variables which was attributed to more discontinuity in environmental conditions. Interestingly, biofilm communities from both hoses showed comparably low diversity, with <400 taxa each, and only three taxa accounting for 57%, respectively, 73% of the community. This low diversity was attributed to a strong selective pressure, originating in migrating carbon from the flexible hoses as major carbon source. High-resolution sampling strategy enabled detailed analysis of spatial heterogeneity within an individual drinking water biofilm. This study gives insight into biofilm structure and community composition on cm-to m-scale and is useful for decision-making on sampling strategies in biofilm research and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Neu
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caitlin R. Proctor
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Schools of Civil, Environmental and Ecological, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Frederik Hammes
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dunn RR, Reese AT, Eisenhauer N. Biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships on bodies and in buildings. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:7-9. [PMID: 30510175 PMCID: PMC7332339 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity underpins the function of ecosystems. Here we discuss how biodiversity–ecosystem function theory could apply to our bodies and buildings, outline practical applications and call for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Bacteria thrive in showerheads and throughout household water distribution systems. While most of these bacteria are innocuous, some are potential pathogens, including members of the genus Mycobacterium that can cause nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection, an increasing threat to public health. We found that showerheads in households across the United States and Europe often harbor abundant mycobacterial communities that vary in composition depending on geographic location, water chemistry, and water source, with households receiving water treated with chlorine disinfectants having particularly high abundances of certain mycobacteria. The regions in the United States where NTM lung infections are most common were the same regions where pathogenic mycobacteria were most prevalent in showerheads, highlighting the important role of showerheads in the transmission of NTM infections. Bacteria within the genus Mycobacterium can be abundant in showerheads, and the inhalation of aerosolized mycobacteria while showering has been implicated as a mode of transmission in nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections. Despite their importance, the diversity, distributions, and environmental predictors of showerhead-associated mycobacteria remain largely unresolved. To address these knowledge gaps, we worked with citizen scientists to collect showerhead biofilm samples and associated water chemistry data from 656 households located across the United States and Europe. Our cultivation-independent analyses revealed that the genus Mycobacterium was consistently the most abundant genus of bacteria detected in residential showerheads, and yet mycobacterial diversity and abundances were highly variable. Mycobacteria were far more abundant, on average, in showerheads receiving municipal water than in those receiving well water and in U.S. households than in European households, patterns that are likely driven by differences in the use of chlorine disinfectants. Moreover, we found that water source, water chemistry, and household location also influenced the prevalence of specific mycobacterial lineages detected in showerheads. We identified geographic regions within the United States where showerheads have particularly high abundances of potentially pathogenic lineages of mycobacteria, and these “hot spots” generally overlapped those regions where NTM lung disease is most prevalent. Together, these results emphasize the public health relevance of mycobacteria in showerhead biofilms. They further demonstrate that mycobacterial distributions in showerhead biofilms are often predictable from household location and water chemistry, knowledge that advances our understanding of NTM transmission dynamics and the development of strategies to reduce exposures to these emerging pathogens.
Collapse
|
48
|
Stüken A, Haverkamp THA, Dirven HAAM, Gilfillan GD, Leithaug M, Lund V. Microbial Community Composition of Tap Water and Biofilms Treated with or without Copper-Silver Ionization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:3354-3364. [PMID: 29461810 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Copper-silver ionization (CSI) is an in-house water disinfection method primarily installed to eradicate Legionella bacteria from drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Its effect on the abundance of culturable Legionella and Legionella infections has been documented in several studies. However, the effect of CSI on other bacteria in DWDS is largely unknown. To investigate these effects, we characterized drinking water and biofilm communities in a hospital using CSI, in a neighboring building without CSI, and in treated drinking water at the local water treatment plant. We used 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and Legionella culturing. The sequencing results revealed three distinct water groups: (1) cold-water samples (no CSI), (2) warm-water samples at the research institute (no CSI), and (3) warm-water samples at the hospital (after CSI; ANOSIM, p < 0.001). Differences between the biofilm communities exposed and not exposed to CSI were less clear (ANOSIM, p = 0.022). No Legionella were cultured, but limited numbers of Legionella sequences were recovered from all 25 water samples (0.2-1.4% relative abundance). The clustering pattern indicated local selection of Legionella types (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). Furthermore, one unclassified Betaproteobacteria OTU was highly enriched in CSI-treated warm water samples at the hospital (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Stüken
- Dept. Zoonotic, Food and Waterborne Infections , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Thomas H A Haverkamp
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences , University of Oslo , Blindern, Oslo , Norway
| | - Hubert A A M Dirven
- Dept. Toxicology and Risk Assessment , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Gregor D Gilfillan
- Dept. Medical Genetics , Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Magnus Leithaug
- Dept. Medical Genetics , Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Vidar Lund
- Dept. Zoonotic, Food and Waterborne Infections , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| |
Collapse
|