1
|
Dobrowsky PH, Khan S, Cloete TE, Khan W. Molecular detection of Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri and Vermamoeba (Hartmannella) vermiformis as vectors for Legionella spp. in untreated and solar pasteurized harvested rainwater. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:539. [PMID: 27724947 PMCID: PMC5057267 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Legionella spp. employ multiple strategies to adapt to stressful environments including the proliferation in protective biofilms and the ability to form associations with free-living amoeba (FLA). The aim of the current study was to identify Legionella spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba (Hartmannella) vermiformis and Naegleria fowleri that persist in a harvested rainwater and solar pasteurization treatment system. Methods Pasteurized (45 °C, 65 °C, 68 °C, 74 °C, 84 °C and 93 °C) and unpasteurized tank water samples were screened for Legionella spp. and the heterotrophic plate count was enumerated. Additionally, ethidium monoazide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (EMA-qPCR) was utilized for the quantification of viable Legionella spp., Acanthamoeba spp., V. vermiformis and N. fowleri in pasteurized (68 °C, 74 °C, 84 °C and 93 °C) and unpasteurized tank water samples, respectively. Results Of the 82 Legionella spp. isolated from unpasteurized tank water samples, Legionella longbeachae (35 %) was the most frequently isolated, followed by Legionella norrlandica (27 %) and Legionella rowbothamii (4 %). Additionally, a positive correlation was recorded between the heterotrophic plate count vs. the number of Legionella spp. detected (ρ = 0.710, P = 0.048) and the heterotrophic plate count vs. the number of Legionella spp. isolated (ρ = 0.779, P = 0.0028) from the tank water samples collected. Solar pasteurization was effective in reducing the gene copies of viable V. vermiformis (3-log) and N. fowleri (5-log) to below the lower limit of detection at temperatures of 68–93 °C and 74–93 °C, respectively. Conversely, while the gene copies of viable Legionella and Acanthamoeba were significantly reduced by 2-logs (P = 0.0024) and 1-log (P = 0.0015) overall, respectively, both organisms were still detected after pasteurization at 93 °C. Conclusions Results from this study indicate that Acanthamoeba spp. primarily acts as the vector and aids in the survival of Legionella spp. in the solar pasteurized rainwater as both organisms were detected and were viable at high temperatures (68–93 °C).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope H Dobrowsky
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, 13 Storch Street, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Thomas E Cloete
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cervero-Aragó S, Rodríguez-Martínez S, Puertas-Bennasar A, Araujo RM. Effect of Common Drinking Water Disinfectants, Chlorine and Heat, on Free Legionella and Amoebae-Associated Legionella. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134726. [PMID: 26241039 PMCID: PMC4524690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorine and thermal treatments are the most commonly used procedures to control and prevent Legionella proliferation in drinking water systems of large buildings. However, cases of legionellosis still occur in facilities with treated water. The purpose of this work was to model the effect of temperature and free chlorine applied in similar exposure conditions as in drinking water systems on five Legionella spp. strains and two amoebal strains of the genera Acanthamoeba. Inactivation models obtained were used to determine the effectiveness of the treatments applied which resulted more effective against Legionella than Acanthamoeba, especially those in cystic stages. Furthermore, to determine the influence of the relationship between L. pneumophila and Acanthamoeba spp. on the treatment effectiveness, inactivation models of the bacteria-associated amoeba were also constructed and compared to the models obtained for the free living bacteria state. The Legionella-amoeba association did not change the inactivation models, but it reduced the effectiveness of the treatments applied. Remarkably, at the lowest free chlorine concentration, 0.5 mg L-1, as well as at the lowest temperatures, 50°C and 55°C, the influence of the Legionella-amoeba associate state was the strongest in reducing the effectiveness of the treatments compared to the free Legionella state. Therefore, the association established between L. pneumophila and amoebae in the water systems indicate an increased health risk in proximal areas of the system (close to the tap) where lower free chlorine concentrations and lower temperatures are commonly observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Cervero-Aragó
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Rodríguez-Martínez
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Oranim, 36006, Tivon, Israel
| | - Antoni Puertas-Bennasar
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Araujo
- Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Żbikowska E, Kletkiewicz H, Walczak M, Burkowska A. Coexistence of Legionella pneumophila Bacteria and Free-Living Amoebae in Lakes Serving as a Cooling System of a Power Plant. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2014; 225:2066. [PMID: 25132694 PMCID: PMC4127003 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-014-2066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The study was aimed at determining whether potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) and Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Pątnów and Konin (Poland). The numbers of investigated organisms were determined with the use of a very sensitive molecular method-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The result of the present study shows that thermally altered aquatic environments provide perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila and amoebae. The bacteria were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period and in the subsurface water layer in July and August. Hartmanella sp. and/or Naegleria fowleri were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Żbikowska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Hanna Kletkiewicz
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Walczak
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Burkowska
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Walczak M, Kletkiewicz H, Burkowska A. Occurrence of Legionella pneumophila in lakes serving as a cooling system of a power plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2013; 15:2273-2278. [PMID: 24141270 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00452j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining whether Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Pątnów and Konin (Poland). The numbers of bacteria belonging to different phylogenetic groups (bacteria, Legionella sp. and L. pneumophila) were determined with the use of a molecular FISH method. The results of the present study show that thermally altered aquatic environments provide perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila. These microorganisms were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period, and in the subsurface water layer in July and August. The percentage of L. pneumophila species in the Legionella genus was 11.55-12.42%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Walczak
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zbikowska E, Walczak M, Krawiec A. Distribution of Legionella pneumophila bacteria and Naegleria and Hartmannella amoebae in thermal saline baths used in balneotherapy. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:77-83. [PMID: 23052757 PMCID: PMC3536949 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at investigating the coexistence and interactions between free living amoebae of Naegleria and Hartmannella genera and pathogenic Legionella pneumophila bacteria in thermal saline baths used in balneotherapy in central Poland. Water samples were collected from November 2010 to May 2011 at intervals longer than 1 month. The microorganisms were detected with the use of a very sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridisation method. In addition, the morphology of the amoebae was studied. Despite relatively high salinity level, ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 %, L. pneumophila were found in all investigated baths, although their number never exceeded 106 cells dm−3. Hartmannella were not detected, while Naegleria fowleri were found in one bath. The observation that N. fowleri and L. pneumophila may coexist in thermal saline baths is the first observation emphasising potential threat from these microorganisms in balneotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Zbikowska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Abstract
Reported cases of legionellosis attributable to Legionella longbeachae infection have increased worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, L. longbeachae has been a known cause of legionellosis since the late 1980s. All cases for which a source was confirmed were associated with potting mixes and composts. Unlike the situation with other Legionella spp., L. longbeachae-contaminated water systems in the built environment that cause disease have not been reported. Spatially and temporally linked outbreaks of legionellosis associated with this organism also have not been reported. Sporadic cases of disease seem to be limited to persons who have had direct contact with potting soil or compost. Long-distance travel of the organism resulting in infection has not been reported. These factors indicate emergence of an agent of legionellosis that differs in etiology from other species and possibly in route of disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Whiley
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zeybek Z, Türetgen I, Kimiran Erdem A, Filoğlu G, Cotuk A. Profiling of environmental Legionella pneumophila strains by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA method isolated from geographically nearby buildings. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2009; 149:323-327. [PMID: 18283549 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-008-0205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) which is also known as etiologic agent Legionnaires Disease lives in natural water and man made water systems. These bacteria belonging to Legionellaceae family are divided 15 serogroups. Phenotypical methods used for the identification of Legionella isolates are not very discriminatory. In this study we investigated genotypic features of eight L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and 18 L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14 strains isolated from different buildings in Istanbul by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. Eight L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strains (37.5%) were similar RAPD profile and they were isolated from buildings located in a short distance (about 500 m). Four L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14 strains (22%) were identical genotypically. Three of these strains were isolated from buildings located in a short distance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuhal Zeybek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bencini MA, van den Brule AJC, Claas ECJ, Hermans MHA, Melchers WJG, Noordhoek GT, Salimans MMM, Schirm J, Vink C, van der Zee A, Jansen R. Multicenter comparison of molecular methods for detection of Legionella spp. in sputum samples. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:3390-2. [PMID: 17670926 PMCID: PMC2045317 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00505-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionellosis can be diagnosed by PCR using sputum samples. In this report, the methods of nine laboratories for 12 sputum samples with Legionella pneumophila and Legionella longbeachae are compared. We conclude that (i) liquefaction prevents PCR inhibition, (ii) the employed mip gene PCRs detected L. pneumophila only, and (iii) the 16S rRNA gene PCR detected both Legionella species and is preferred for the diagnosis of legionellosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Bencini
- Regional Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland, Boerhaavelaan 26, 2035 RC Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leskelä T, Tilsala-Timisjärvi A, Kusnetsov J, Neubauer P, Breitenstein A. Sensitive genus-specific detection of Legionella by a 16S rRNA based sandwich hybridization assay. J Microbiol Methods 2005; 62:167-79. [PMID: 16009275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2005.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2004] [Revised: 02/05/2005] [Accepted: 02/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive, cultivation-independent analytical method for Legionella in man-made water systems which can be performed within one day in crude sample extracts. The new assay for the genus Legionella is a paramagnetic bead based fluorescence sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) for the 16S rRNA based on two oligonucleotide probes which makes the method highly specific. An advantage over RT-PCR is the exclusive detection of viable cells and, due to the high number of 16S RNA molecules, the possibility to apply the method directly in crude cell extracts without prior purification of the nucleic acids. A high sensitivity was obtained by modifying the probe chemistry and hybridization conditions. The most sensitive assay uses a 3'-end biotin-labelled capture probe and a 3'-end DIG tailed detection probe and has a detection limit of 20 amol target molecules corresponding to 1.2x10(7) molecules of 16S rRNA and approximately 1800 Legionella cells. Using this assay type the number of Legionella cells was determined in Legionella contaminated water samples. The results show that the developed SHA can be applied for estimation of the approximate number of Legionella cells based on the number of 16S rRNA molecules in a water sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarja Leskelä
- Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory, Department of Process and Environmental Engineering and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, PO Box 4300, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu H, Li Y, Huang X, Kawamura Y, Ezaki T. Use of the dnaJ gene for the detection and identification of all Legionella pneumophila serogroups and description of the primers used to detect 16S rDNA gene sequences of major members of the genus Legionella. Microbiol Immunol 2004; 47:859-69. [PMID: 14638997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2003.tb03452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We sequenced about 930 bp of the dnaJ gene from 15 Legionella pneumophila serogroups and some other members of the genus Legionella. As L. pneumophila 16S rDNA sequences could not discriminate between all subspecies and serogroups, we assessed the use of dnaJ gene sequences to differentiate between Legionella subspecies as well as between L. pneumophila serogroups. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that dnaJ gene sequences were more variable between the L. pneumophila serogroups than mip gene and 16S rDNA sequences. By studying 61 strains from 41 species of the genus Legionella, as well as other genera, we established a PCR method that could amplify 285 bp of dnaJ gene from all L. pneumophila serogroups. This primer set was more sensitive than mip gene primers and was able to detect 0.25 ng of purified DNA. We also describe the 16S rDNA primers that were used to detect most Legionella genus members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Liu
- Microbiology-Bioinformatics, Regeneration and Advanced Medical Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|