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Seenivasagham V, K C BK, Chandy JP, Kastl G, Blackall LL, Rittmann B, Sathasivan A. Heterotrophic bacteria isolated from a chloraminated system accelerate chloramine decay. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142341. [PMID: 38754485 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142341] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This work comprehensively demonstrates the ability of heterotrophic bacteria, isolated from a chloraminated system, to decay chloramine. This study non-selectively isolated 62 cultures of heterotrophic bacteria from a water sample (0.002 mg-N/L nitrite and 1.42 mg/L total chlorine) collected from a laboratory-scale reactor system; most of the isolates (93.3%) were Mycobacterium sp. Three species of Mycobacterium and one species of Micrococcus were inoculated to a basal inorganic medium with initial concentrations of acetate (from 0 to 24 mg-C/L) and 1.5 mg/L chloramine. Bacterial growth coincided with declines in the concentrations of chloramine, acetate, and ammonium. Detailed experiments with one of the Mycobacterium sp. isolates suggest that the common mechanism of chloramine loss is auto-decomposition likely mediated by chloramine-decaying proteins. The ability of the isolates to grow and decay chloramine underscores the important role of heterotrophic bacteria in the stability of chloramine in water-distribution systems. Existing strategies based on controlling nitrification should be augmented to include minimizing heterotrophic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimala Seenivasagham
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Bal Krishna K C
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Joseph P Chandy
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - George Kastl
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Linda L Blackall
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Bruce Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Arumugam Sathasivan
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University, NSW, 2747, Australia.
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Oliveira IM, Gomes IB, Simões LC, Simões M. A review of research advances on disinfection strategies for biofilm control in drinking water distribution systems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121273. [PMID: 38359597 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121273] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maria Oliveira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Bezerra Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Chaves Simões
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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3
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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).
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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.
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Hozalski RM, Zhao X, Kim T, LaPara TM. On-site filtration of large sample volumes improves the detection of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water distribution systems. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0165823. [PMID: 38236032 PMCID: PMC10880612 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01658-23] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we compared conventional vacuum filtration of small volumes through disc membranes (effective sample volumes for potable water: 0.3-1.0 L) with filtration of high volumes using ultrafiltration (UF) modules (effective sample volumes for potable water: 10.6-84.5 L) for collecting bacterial biomass from raw, finished, and tap water at seven drinking water systems. Total bacteria, Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium spp., and Mycobacterium avium complex in these samples were enumerated using both conventional quantitative PCR (qPCR) and viability qPCR (using propidium monoazide). In addition, PCR-amplified gene fragments were sequenced for microbial community analysis. The frequency of detection (FOD) of Legionella spp. in finished and tap water samples was much greater using UF modules (83% and 77%, respectively) than disc filters (24% and 33%, respectively). The FODs for Mycobacterium spp. in raw, finished, and tap water samples were also consistently greater using UF modules than disc filters. Furthermore, the number of observed operational taxonomic units and diversity index values for finished and tap water samples were often substantially greater when using UF modules as compared to disc filters. Conventional and viability qPCR yielded similar results, suggesting that membrane-compromised cells represented a minor fraction of total bacterial biomass. In conclusion, our research demonstrates that large-volume filtration using UF modules improved the detection of opportunistic pathogens at the low concentrations typically found in public drinking water systems and that the majority of bacteria in these systems appear to be viable in spite of disinfection with free chlorine and/or chloramine.IMPORTANCEOpportunistic pathogens, such as Legionella pneumophila, are a growing public health concern. In this study, we compared sample collection and enumeration methods on raw, finished, and tap water at seven water systems throughout the State of Minnesota, USA. The results showed that on-site filtration of large water volumes (i.e., 500-1,000 L) using ultrafiltration membrane modules improved the frequency of detection of relatively rare organisms, including opportunistic pathogens, compared to the common approach of filtering about 1 L using disc membranes. Furthermore, results from viability quantitative PCR (qPCR) with propidium monoazide were similar to conventional qPCR, suggesting that membrane-compromised cells represent an insignificant fraction of microorganisms. Results from these ultrafiltration membrane modules should lead to a better understanding of the microbial ecology of drinking water distribution systems and their potential to inoculate premise plumbing systems with opportunistic pathogens where conditions are more favorable for their growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond M. Hozalski
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Taegyu Kim
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Timothy M. LaPara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Liu H, Jiao P, Guan L, Wang C, Zhang XX, Ma L. Functional traits and health implications of the global household drinking-water microbiome retrieved using an integrative genome-centric approach. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121094. [PMID: 38183799 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121094] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The biological safety of drinking water plays a crucial role in public health protection. However, research on the drinking water microbiome remains in its infancy, especially little is known about the potentially pathogenic bacteria in and functional characteristics of the microbiome in household tap water that people are directly exposed to. In this study, we used a genomic-centric approach to construct a genetic catalogue of the drinking water microbiome by analysing 116 metagenomic datasets of household tap water worldwide, spanning nine countries/regions on five continents. We reconstructed 859 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning 27 bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla, and found that the core MAGs belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria encoded the highest metabolic functional diversity of the 33 key complete metabolic modules. In particular, we found that two core MAGs of Brevibacillus and Methylomona encoded genes for methane metabolism, which may support the growth of heterotrophic organisms observed in the oligotrophic ecosystem. Four MAGs of complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) Nitrospira were identified and functional metabolic analysis suggested these may enable mixotrophic growth and encode genes for reactive oxygen stress defence and arsenite reduction that could aid survival in the environment of oligotrophic drinking water systems. Four MAGs were annotated as potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) and thus represented a possible public health concern. They belonged to the genera Acinetobacter (n = 3) and Mycobacterium (n = 1), with a total relative abundance of 1.06 % in all samples. The genomes of PPB A. junii and A. ursingii were discovered to contain antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements that could contribute to antimicrobial dissemination in drinking water. Further network analysis suggested that symbiotic microbes which support the growth of pathogenic bacteria can be targets for future surveillance and removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafeng Liu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Pengbo Jiao
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Lei Guan
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Xu-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Liping Ma
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
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6
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Zhao B, Liu R, Li Y, Xu H, Li X, Gu J, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang Y. Changes of putative pathogenic species within the water bacterial community in large-scale drinking water treatment and distribution systems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120947. [PMID: 38043356 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120947] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the management of microbes in drinking water is of paramount importance for public health, there remain challenges in comprehensively examining pathogenic bacteria in the water supply system at the species level. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of nearly full-length 16S rRNA genes was performed to investigate the changes of the water bacterial community in three large-scale drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and their corresponding distribution systems during winter and summer. Our findings revealed significant differences in the bacterial community structure between winter and summer water samples for each DWTP and its distribution management area (DMA). In the groundwater-fed DWTP, selective enrichment of mycobacterial species was observed in both seasons, and the subsequent DMA also exhibited strong selection for specific mycobacterial species. In one of the surface water-fed DWTPs, certain Legionella species present in the source water in winter were selectively enriched in the bacterial community after pre-oxidation, although they were susceptible to the subsequent purification steps. A variety of putative pathogenic species (n = 83) were identified based on our pathogen identification pipeline, with the dominant species representing opportunistic pathogens commonly found in water supply systems. While pathogen removal primarily occurred during the purification processes of DWTPs, especially for surface water-fed plants, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the DMA water flora was lower than that in the DWTP effluent flora, indicating a diminished competitiveness of pathogens within the DMA ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhao
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruyin Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China; Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou Institute of Technology, Binzhou, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Yuxian Li
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hao Xu
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiangyi Li
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Junnong Gu
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Drinking Water Quality, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yue Wang
- Beijing Waterworks Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yansong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Yang J, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Zhou S, Meng D, Xia S, Wang H. Deciphering the diversity and assemblage mechanisms of nontuberculous mycobacteria community in four drinking water distribution systems with different disinfectants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168176. [PMID: 37907107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168176] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent an emerging health concern due to their escalating infections worldwide. Although drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) have been considered as NTM reservoirs and a potential infection route, NTM community at the species level remain largely elusive in DWDSs. This study employed high-throughput sequencing coupled with qPCR to profile NTM community and estimate their abundances at the species level in water and biofilm samples in four DWDSs using three different disinfectants (i.e. free chlorine, chloramine and chlorine dioxide). Results demonstrated the dominance of Mycobacterium paragordonae and Mycobacterium mucogenicum in both biofilm and water across four DWDSs, whereas Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae, the two clinically significant species, exhibited low abundance but high prevalence. Comparable NTM community was observed in biofilm across these four DWDSs. Distinct separation of NTM community between SH-chloramine DWDSs water and other DWDSs highlighted the selective pressure of chloramine on NTM community. Furthermore, the research revealed that biofilm and water exhibited distinct NTM community structures, with biofilm harboring more diverse NTM community. Certain NTM species displayed a preference for biofilm, such as Mycobacterium gordonae, while others, like Mycobacterium mucogenicum, were more abundant in water samples (P < 0.05). In terms of NTM community assembly, stochastic processes dominated biofilm, while comparable role of stochastic and deterministic processes was observed in water. In conclusion, this study offers a pioneering and comprehensive insight into the dynamics and assembly mechanisms of NTM community within four DWDSs treated with three distinct disinfectants. These findings serve as a critical foundation for assessing NTM exposure risks and devising effective management strategies within DWDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuxing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Die Meng
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Siqing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Cullom A, Spencer MS, Williams MD, Falkinham JO, Brown C, Edwards MA, Pruden A. Premise Plumbing Pipe Materials and In-Building Disinfectants Shape the Potential for Proliferation of Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance Genes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21382-21394. [PMID: 38071676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
In-building disinfectants are commonly applied to control the growth of pathogens in plumbing, particularly in facilities such as hospitals that house vulnerable populations. However, their application has not been well optimized, especially with respect to interactive effects with pipe materials and potential unintended effects, such as enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across the microbial community. Here, we used triplicate convectively mixed pipe reactors consisting of three pipe materials (PVC, copper, and iron) for replicated simulation of the distal reaches of premise plumbing and evaluated the effects of incrementally increased doses of chlorine, chloramine, chlorine dioxide, and copper-silver disinfectants. We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to characterize the resulting succession of the corresponding microbiomes over the course of 37 weeks. We found that both disinfectants and pipe material affected ARG and microbial community taxonomic composition both independently and interactively. Water quality and total bacterial numbers were not found to be predictive of pathogenic species markers. One result of particular concern was the tendency of disinfectants, especially monochloramine, to enrich ARGs. Metagenome assembly indicated that many ARGs were enriched specifically among the pathogenic species. Functional gene analysis was indicative of a response of the microbes to oxidative stress, which is known to co/cross-select for antibiotic resistance. These findings emphasize the need for a holistic evaluation of pathogen control strategies for plumbing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Cullom
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1145 Perry St., 418 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Matheu Storme Spencer
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1145 Perry St., 418 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Myra D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Joseph O Falkinham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Connor Brown
- Department of Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Marc A Edwards
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1145 Perry St., 418 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Amy Pruden
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1145 Perry St., 418 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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Yin H, Wang H, Wang M, Shi B. The interaction between extracellular polymeric substances and corrosion products in pipes shaped different bacterial communities and the effects of micropollutants. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120822. [PMID: 37950951 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
There are growing concerns over the effects of micropollutants on biofilms formation and antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) transmission in drinking water distribution pipes. However, there was no reports about the influence of the interaction between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and corrosion products on biofilms formation. Our results indicated that the abundance of quorum sensing (QS)-related genes, polysaccharide and amino acids biosynthesis genes of EPS was 6747-8055 TPM, 2221-2619 TPM, and 1461-1535 TPM in biofilms of cast iron pipes, respectively, which were higher than that of stainless steel pipes. The two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR) results indicated that polysaccharide of EPS was more easily adsorbed onto the corrosion products of cast iron pipes. Therefore, more human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) carrying ARGs were formed in biofilms of cast iron pipes. The amide I and amide II components and phosphate moieties of EPS were more susceptible to the corrosion products of stainless steel pipes. Thus, more bacteria genera carrying mobile genetic elements (MGE)-ARG were formed in biofilms of stainless steel pipes due to more abundance of QS-related genes, amino acids biosynthesis genes of EPS and the functional genes related to lipid metabolism. The enrichment of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and sulfadiazine (SUL) in corrosion products induced upregulation of QS and EPS-related genes, which promoted bacteria carrying different ARGs growth in biofilms, inducing more microbial risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Baoyou Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Pramanik A, Kolawole OP, Gates K, Kundu S, Shukla MK, Moser RD, Ucak-Astarlioglu M, Al-Ostaz A, Ray PC. 2D Fluorinated Graphene Oxide (FGO)-Polyethyleneimine (PEI) Based 3D Porous Nanoplatform for Effective Removal of Forever Toxic Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Toxins, and Waterborne Pathogens from Environmental Water Samples. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:44942-44954. [PMID: 38046318 PMCID: PMC10688155 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although water is essential for life, as per the United Nations, around 2 billion people in this world lack access to safely managed drinking water services at home. Herein we report the development of a two-dimensional (2D) fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) and polyethylenimine (PEI) based three-dimensional (3D) porous nanoplatform for the effective removal of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceutical toxins, and waterborne pathogens from contaminated water. Experimental data show that the FGO-PEI based nanoplatform has an estimated adsorption capacity (qm) of ∼219 mg g-1 for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and can be used for 99% removal of several short- and long-chain PFAS. A comparative PFNA capturing study using different types of nanoplatforms indicates that the qm value is in the order FGO-PEI > FGO > GO-PEI, which indicates that fluorophilic, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions play important roles for the removal of PFAS. Reported data show that the FGO-PEI based nanoplatform has a capability for 100% removal of moxifloxacin antibiotics with an estimated qm of ∼299 mg g-1. Furthermore, because the pore size of the nanoplatform is much smaller than the size of pathogens, it has a capability for 100% removal of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from water. Moreover, reported data show around 96% removal of PFAS, pharmaceutical toxins, and pathogens simultaneously from spiked river, lake, and tap water samples using the nanoplatform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Pramanik
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Olorunsola Praise Kolawole
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Kaelin Gates
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Sanchita Kundu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Manoj K. Shukla
- US
Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199, United States
| | - Robert D Moser
- US
Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199, United States
| | - Mine Ucak-Astarlioglu
- US
Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199, United States
| | - Ahmed Al-Ostaz
- Department
of Civil Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Paresh Chandra Ray
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
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11
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Cen C, Zhang K, Zhang T, Wu J, Mao X. Exploring the ignored role of escaped algae in a pilot-scale DWDS: Disinfectant consumption, DBP yield and risk formation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122599. [PMID: 37739259 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122599] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient treatments during bloom-forming seasons allow algae to enter the subsequent drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Yet, scarce information is available regarding the role escaped algae to play in the DWDS, and how they interact with the system. Thus, three scenarios were conducted: a pilot DWDS with algae (a), pipe water (b), and pipe water with algae (c). Experimental results showed that, compared to biofilm and bulk water, escaped algae required fewer disinfectants. Competition for disinfectants varied with algal strains (Microcystis aeruginosa, MA; Pseudanabaena sp., PS) and disinfectant types (chlorine, Cl2; chloriamine, NH2Cl). Algae in the MA-Cl2 group showed the highest demand (6.25%-36.02%). However, the low-concentration disinfectants distributed to algae could trigger distinct algal status alternations. Cl2 diffused into intact MA cells and reacted with intracellular compositions. Damaged PS cells reached 100% within 2 h. Typical disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids and halogenated acetonitriles were examined. Disinfectant types and algal strains affected DBP yield and distribution. Although disinfectants consumed by algae might not promote dissolved DBP formation, especially for THMs. DBP formation of the other components was affected by escaped algae via changing disinfectant assignment (reduced by 45.45% for MA-Cl2) and transformation efficiency (by 34.52%). The cytotoxicity risks were estimated. Dissolved DBP-induced risks were not added when escaped algae occurred, whereas disruption and release of intracellular substances increased risks; the maximum cytotoxicity did not occur at 12 h rather than at the end (24 h). Overall, this study provided an innovative perspective on algal-related water quality issues in water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cen
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314100, China.
| | - Tuqiao Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314100, China
| | - Jiajia Wu
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinwei Mao
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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12
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Greenwich JL, Fleming D, Banin E, Häussler S, Kjellerup BV, Sauer K, Visick KL, Fuqua C. The biofilm community resurfaces: new findings and post-pandemic progress. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0016623. [PMID: 37756166 PMCID: PMC10601713 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00166-23] [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] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ninth American Society for Microbiology Conference on Biofilms was convened in-person on 13-17 November 2022 in Charlotte, NC. As the first of these conferences since prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy among the participants of the conference was clear, and the meeting was a tremendous success. The mixture of >330 oral and poster presentations resoundingly embodied the vitality of biofilm research across a wide range of topics and multiple scientific disciplines. Special activities, including a pre-conference symposium for early career researchers, further enhanced the attendee experience. As a general theme, the conference was deliberately structured to provide high levels of participation and engagement among early career scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Fleming
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ehud Banin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Birthe V. Kjellerup
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Karen L. Visick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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13
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Song JJX, Oguma K. Mycobacterial contamination in tap and shower waters in Thailand. Lett Appl Microbiol 2023; 76:ovad090. [PMID: 37528059 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad090] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne disease is increasingly becoming associated with opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs), which can resist residual chlorination, regrow throughout drinking water distribution systems, and colonize premise plumbing. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include clinically important species and exert a high burden on healthcare systems. We briefly report a qPCR-based survey of Mycobacterium spp. numbers in tap, POU-treated, and shower waters from Bangkok, Thailand. Non-stagnant tap waters and non-stagnant shower waters had mean numbers of 1.3 × 103 and 2.4 × 103 copies/mL, respectively. Water stagnation resulted in mean numbers higher by up to 1.0 log. The lowest number, 25 copies/mL, was obtained from a POU-treated sample, while the highest number, 2.0 × 104 copies/mL, came from a stagnant tap. Comparing with international data, mean numbers in this study were greater than those in nine out of 11 (82%) comparable studies, and the maximum numbers in this study were also high. Our samples of Bangkok waters exhibited relatively high Mycobacterium spp. numbers, suggesting the need for appropriate POU treatment systems where NTM infection is a health concern. This survey data can be used to set inactivation performance targets in POU water disinfection system design and may also lead to quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Jia Xin Song
- Department of Urban Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Kumiko Oguma
- Department of Urban Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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14
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Zheng S, Li J, Ye C, Xian X, Feng M, Yu X. Microbiological risks increased by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria under global warming: The neglected issue in chloraminated drinking water distribution system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162353. [PMID: 36822432 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162353] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A rising outbreak of waterborne diseases caused by global warming requires higher microbial stability in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Chloramine disinfection is gaining popularity in this context due to its good persistent stability and fewer disinfection byproducts. However, the microbiological risks may be significantly magnified by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in distribution systems during global warming, which is rarely noticed. Hence, this work mainly focuses on AOB to explore its impact on water quality biosafety in the context of global warming. Research indicates that global warming-induced high temperatures can directly or indirectly promote the growth of AOB, thus leading to nitrification. Further, its metabolites or cellular residues can be used as substrates for the growth of heterotrophic bacteria (e.g., waterborne pathogens). Thus, biofilm may be more persistent in the pipelines due to the presence of AOB. Breakpoint chlorination is usually applied to control such situations. However, switching between this strategy and chloramine disinfection would result in even more severe nitrification and other adverse effects. Based on the elevated microbiological risks in DWDS, the following aspects should be paid attention to in future research: (1) to understand the response of nitrifying bacteria to high temperatures and the possible association between AOB and pathogenic growth, (2) to reveal the mechanisms of AOB-mediated biofilm formation under high-temperature stress, and (3) to develop new technologies to prevent and control the occurrence of nitrification in drinking water distribution system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikan Zheng
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chengsong Ye
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xuanxuan Xian
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mingbao Feng
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xin Yu
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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15
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Yue X, Liao Q, He H, Li H, Xie J, Fu Z. Mycobacteriophage Derived Lipoarabinomannan Binding Protein for Recognizing Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3754-3760. [PMID: 36758121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) is one family of pathogens usually leading to nosocomial infections. Exploration of high-performance biological recognition agent plays a pivotal role for the development of point-of-care testing device and kit for detecting NTM. Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) is a NTM which has been frequently applied as an alternative model for highly pathogenic mycobacteria. Herein, a recombinant tail protein derived from mycobacteriophage SWU1 infecting M. smegmatis was expressed with Escherichia coli system and noted as GP89. It shows a fist-like structure according to the results of homology modeling and ab initio modeling. It is confirmed as a lipoarabinomannan (LAM) binding protein, which can recognize studied NTM genus since abundant LAM constructed with d-mannan and d-arabinan is distributed over the mycobacterial surface. Meanwhile an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-fused GP89 protein was acquired with a fusion expression technique. Then GP89 and eGFP-fused GP89 were applied to establish a sensitive and rapid method for fluorescent detection of M. smegmatis with a broad linear range of 1.0 × 102 to 1.0 × 106 CFU mL-1 and a low detection limit of 69 CFU mL-1. Rapid and reliable testing of antimicrobial susceptibility was achieved by the GP89-based fluorescent method. The present work provides a promising recognition agent for studied NTM and opens an avenue for clinical diagnosis of NTM-induced infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yue
- The State Key Lab of Silkworm Geneome Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qinchen Liao
- The State Key Lab of Silkworm Geneome Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongmei He
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhifeng Fu
- The State Key Lab of Silkworm Geneome Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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16
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Blum FC, Whitmire JM, Bennett JW, Carey PM, Ellis MW, English CE, Law NN, Tribble DR, Millar EV, Merrell DS. Nasal microbiota evolution within the congregate setting imposed by military training. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11492. [PMID: 35798805 PMCID: PMC9263147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiome is comprised of a complex and diverse community of organisms that is subject to dynamic changes over time. As such, cross-sectional studies of the microbiome provide a multitude of information for a specific body site at a particular time, but they fail to account for temporal changes in microbial constituents resulting from various factors. To address this shortcoming, longitudinal research studies of the human microbiome investigate the influence of various factors on the microbiome of individuals within a group or community setting. These studies are vital to address the effects of host and/or environmental factors on microbiome composition as well as the potential contribution of microbiome members during the course of an infection. The relationship between microbial constituents and disease development has been previously explored for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) within congregate military trainees. Accordingly, approximately 25% of the population carries Staphylococcus aureus within their nasal cavity, and these colonized individuals are known to be at increased risk for SSTIs. To examine the evolution of the nasal microbiota of U.S. Army Infantry trainees, individuals were sampled longitudinally from their arrival at Fort Benning, Georgia, until completion of their training 90 days later. These samples were then processed to determine S. aureus colonization status and to profile the nasal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene-based methods. Microbiota stability differed dramatically among the individual trainees; some subjects exhibited great stability, some subjects showed gradual temporal changes and some subjects displayed a dramatic shift in nasal microbiota composition. Further analysis utilizing the available trainee metadata suggests that the major drivers of nasal microbiota stability may be S. aureus colonization status and geographic origin of the trainees. Nasal microbiota evolution within the congregate setting imposed by military training is a complex process that appears to be affected by numerous factors. This finding may indicate that future campaigns to prevent S. aureus colonization and future SSTIs among high-risk military trainees may require a ‘personalized’ approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith C Blum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jeannette M Whitmire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jason W Bennett
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Patrick M Carey
- Benning Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, GA, USA
| | | | - Caroline E English
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natasha N Law
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David R Tribble
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eugene V Millar
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D Scott Merrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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17
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Lange C, Böttger EC, Cambau E, Griffith DE, Guglielmetti L, van Ingen J, Knight SL, Marras TK, Olivier KN, Santin M, Stout JE, Tortoli E, Wagner D, Winthrop K, Daley CL, Lange C, Andrejak C, Böttger E, Cambau E, Griffith D, Guglielmetti L, van Ingen J, Knight S, Leitman P, Marras TK, Olivier KN, Santin M, Stout JE, Tortoli E, Wagner D, Wallace RJ, Winthrop K, Daley C. Consensus management recommendations for less common non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary diseases. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e178-e190. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Sun W, Lu Z, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Shi B, Wang H. Ozone and Fenton oxidation affected the bacterial community and opportunistic pathogens in biofilms and effluents from GAC. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 218:118495. [PMID: 35489154 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration impacts pathogen colonization and bacterial communities in drinking water. However, the effects of ozone and heterogeneous Fenton oxidation on microbial community composition, in particular opportunistic pathogens (OPs), and their metabolic potential in biofilms and effluents from GAC filtration are not fully understood. The results of our pilot-scale test indicated that Fenton-GAC filtration removed more dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 1.25 mg/L) than ozone-GAC filtration (0.98 mg/L). Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) results showed that Fenton-GAC removed more tyrosine-like proteins and fulvic acid-like materials, while ozone-GAC removed more humic acid-like compounds and tryptophan-like proteins. Illumina HiSeq analysis indicated that Curvibacter and Hydrogenophaga dominated in the Fenton-GAC biofilm, while Bradyrhizobium, Aquabacterium and Limnobacter were predominant in the ozone-GAC biofilm. Functional prediction suggested that the microbial functional gene related to glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (the pathway for carbohydrate metabolism) was higher in the Fenton-GAC biofilm, resulting in higher contents of protein in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the Fenton-GAC biofilm. Therefore, there were fewer bacteria that detached from the biofilm into the water during the Fenton-GAC filtration process. The lower EPS content in the effluents from Fenton-GAC resulted in bacteria, including OPs, being easier to remove by chlorine. However, ozone oxidation removed more bacteria, including different OPs, than Fenton oxidation, which contributed to fewer bacteria and OPs in the effluents from ozone-GAC. Overall, our results provide a Fenton-GAC treatment process to remove DOC and control OPs in drinking water systems, the cost of which was comparable to that of ozone-GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhili Lu
- Institute of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Institute of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoyou Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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19
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Pfaller S, King D, Mistry JH, Donohue M. Occurrence revisited: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare in potable water in the USA. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2715-2727. [PMID: 35298694 PMCID: PMC9173748 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11849-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are increasing in the USA and have a high cost burden associated with treatment. Thus, it is necessary to understand what changes could be contributing to this increase in NTM disease rate. Water samples from 40 sites were collected from around the USA. They represented three water types: groundwater disinfected with chlorine and surface water disinfected with chlorine or monochloramine. Two methods, culture and qPCR, were used to measure M. avium and M. intracellulare. Heterotrophic bacteria and NTM counts were also measured. M. avium and M. intracellulare were molecularly detected in 25% (73/292) and 35% (102/292) of samples. The mean concentrations of M. avium and M. intracellulare were 2.8 × 103 and 4.0 × 103 genomic units (GU) L-1. The Northeast sites had the highest sample positively rate for both M. avium and M. intracellulare. The highest NTM counts and M. avium concentrations were observed in the surface water treated with chloramine. Geographic location and source water/disinfectant type were observed to significantly influence M. avium and M. intracellulare occurrence rates. These studies can help improve public health risk management by balancing disinfectant treatments and diverse microbial loads in drinking water. KEY POINTS: • M. avium (MA) culture rate increased significantly: 1% (1999) to 13%. • Culture versus qPCR method: 13% vs 31% for MA and 6% vs 35% for MI. • The results of each method type tell two different stories of MA and MI occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Pfaller
- Center for Exposure Research and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Mail Stop 593, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Dawn King
- Center for Exposure Research and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Mail Stop 593, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Jatin H Mistry
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maura Donohue
- Center for Exposure Research and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Mail Stop 593, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
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20
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Farhat N, Kim L, Mineta K, Alarawi M, Gojobori T, Saikaly P, Vrouwenvelder J. Seawater desalination based drinking water: Microbial characterization during distribution with and without residual chlorine. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:117975. [PMID: 34952456 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the changes that occur to water during distribution is vital to ensure water safety. In this study, the biological stability of reverse osmosis (RO) produced drinking water, characterized by low cell concentration and low assimilable organic carbon, in combination with chlorine disinfection was investigated. Water quality at several locations throughout the existing distribution network was monitored to investigate whether microbial water quality changes can be identified. Results revealed that the water leaving the plant had an average bacterial cell concentration of 103 cells/mL. A 0.5-1.5 log increase in bacterial cell concentration was observed at locations in the network. The residual disinfectant was largely dissipated in the network from 0.5 mg/L at the treatment plant to less than 0.1 mg/L in the network locations. The simulative study involving miniature distribution networks, mimicking the dynamics of a distribution network, fed with the RO produced chlorinated and non-chlorinated drinking water revealed that distributing RO produced water without residual disinfection, especially at high water temperatures (25-30 °C), poses a higher chance for water quality change. Within six months of operation of the miniature network fed with unchlorinated RO produced water, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total cell concentration (TCC) in the pipe biofilm were 4 × 102 pg ATP/cm2 and 1 × 107 cells/ cm2. The low bacterial cell concentration and organic carbon concentration in the RO-produced water did not prevent biofilm development inside the network with and without residual chlorine. The bacterial community analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing revealed that mesophilic bacteria with higher temperature tolerance and bacteria associated with oligotrophic, nutrient-poor conditions dominated the biofilm, with no indication of the existence of opportunistic pathogenic species. However, chlorination selected against most bacterial groups and the bacterial community that remained was mainly the bacteria capable of surviving disinfection regimes. Biofilms that developed in the presence of chlorine contained species classified as opportunistic pathogens. These biofilms have an impact on shaping the water quality received at the consumer tap. The presence of these bacteria on its own is not a health risk indicator; viability assessment and qPCRs targeting genes specific to the opportunistic pathogens as well as quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) should be included to assess the risk. The results from this study highlight the importance of implementing multiple barriers to ensure water safety. Changes in water quality detected even when high-quality disinfected RO-produced water is distributed highlight microbiological challenges that chlorinated systems endure, especially at high water temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Farhat
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lanhee Kim
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katsuhiko Mineta
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alarawi
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Takashi Gojobori
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Division of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal Saikaly
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft 2629 HZ, Netherlands
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21
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Pfaller S, King D, Mistry JH, Alexander M, Abulikemu G, Pressman JG, Wahman DG, Donohue MJ. Chloramine Concentrations within Distribution Systems and Their Effect on Heterotrophic Bacteria, Mycobacterial Species, and Disinfection Byproducts. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 205:117689. [PMID: 34607086 PMCID: PMC8682803 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chloramine is a secondary disinfectant used to maintain microbial control throughout public water distribution systems. This study investigated the relationship between chloramine concentration, heterotrophic bacteria, and specific Mycobacterium species. Sixty-four water samples were collected at four locations within the utility's distribution network on four occasions. Water samples were analyzed for total chlorine and monochloramine. Traditional culture methods were applied for heterotrophic bacteria and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used to detect and quantify Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. abscessus. Total chlorine and monochloramine concentrations decreased between the distribution entry point (4.7 mg/L and 3.4 mg/L as Cl2, respectively) to the maximum residence time location (1.7 mg/L and 1.1 mg/L as Cl2, respectively). Results showed that heterotrophic bacteria and NTM counts increased by two logs as the water reached the average residence time (ART) location. Microbiological detection frequencies among all samples were: 86% NTMs, 66% heterotrophic bacteria, 64% M. abscessus, 48% M. intracellulare, and 2% M. avium. This study shows that heterotrophic bacteria and NTM are weakly correlated with disinfectant residual concentration, R2=0.18 and R2=0.04, respectively. Considering that specific NTMs have significant human health effects, these data fill a critical knowledge gap regarding chloramine's impact on heterotrophic bacteria and Mycobacterial species survival within public drinking water distribution systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Pfaller
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH 45268
| | - Dawn King
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH 45268
| | - Jatin H Mistry
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6. Dallas, TX 75270
| | - Matthew Alexander
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Cincinnati, OH 45268
| | | | - Jonathan G Pressman
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH 45268
| | - David G Wahman
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH 45268
| | - Maura J Donohue
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH 45268.
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22
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Bal Krishna KC, Sathasivan A, Ginige MP. An assessment of the persistence of putative pathogenic bacteria in chloraminated water distribution systems. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 190:116677. [PMID: 33310436 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated how a chloramine loss and nitrifying conditions influenced putative pathogenic bacterial diversity in bulk water and biofilm of a laboratory- and a full-scale chloraminated water distribution systems. Fifty-four reference databases containing full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database were prepared to represent fifty-four pathogenic bacterial species listed in the World Health Organisation and Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. When 16S rRNA gene sequences of all samples were screened against the fifty-four reference pathogenic databases, a total of thirty-one putative pathogenic bacteria were detected in both laboratory- and full-scale systems where total chlorine residuals ranged between 0.03 - 2.2 mg/L. Pathogenic bacterial species Mycolicibacterium fortuitum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were noted in all laboratory (i.e. in bulk water and biofilm) and in bulk water of full-scale samples and Mycolicibacterium fortuitum dominated when chloramine residuals were high. Other different pathogenic bacterial species were observed dominant with decaying chloramine residuals. This study for the first time reports the diverse abundance of putative pathogenic bacteria resilient towards chloramine and highlights that metagenomics surveillance of drinking water can serve as a rapid assessment and an early warning of outbreaks of a large number of putative pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Bal Krishna
- School of Engineering, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia.
| | - Arumugam Sathasivan
- School of Engineering, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Maneesha P Ginige
- CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag No. 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia
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23
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Siavashifar M, Rezaei F, Motallebirad T, Azadi D, Absalan A, Naserramezani Z, Golshani M, Jafarinia M, Ghaffari K. Species diversity and molecular analysis of opportunistic Mycobacterium, Nocardia and Rhodococcus isolated from the hospital environment in a developing country, a potential resources for nosocomial infection. Genes Environ 2021; 43:2. [PMID: 33509299 PMCID: PMC7844956 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-021-00173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital environmental resources have a significant role in cross-transmission of opportunistic pathogens such as actinomycetes species to the patients. Actinomycetes have a remarkable capability to survive in adverse and harsh conditions of hospital environments; therefore, they are a threat to the health of patients. Due to this issue, we aimed to determine the frequency and diversity of actinomycetes species in hospital soil, water and dust by using a combination of conventional and molecular methods including the phenotypic and biochemical tests for preliminary identification and the PCR amplification of the specific region of the 16S rRNA, hsp65 gene and sequence analyses of 16S rRNA for the genus and species identification. Results A total of 50 (35.2%) actinomycetes isolates from 7 genera were isolated from 142 hospital environmental samples. The three most prevalent species were M. setense 10%, R. erythropolis and M. fortuitum 8% followed by N.cyriacigeorgica and M. gordonae 6%, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. lentiflavum, M. mucogenicum, N. asteroides, N. farcinica, R. equi and L. shinushuensis 4% and the single isolates of M. conceptionense, M. septicum, N. rhamnosophilia, N. bravicatena, M. flavescens, M. arupense, M. doricum, M. frederiksbergense, S. heliomycini, S. albus, S. albogriseolus, R. facians, D. maris, G. terae and A. globiformis. Conclusions In conclusion we showed that the hospital environment is a potential reservoir for a broad range of actinomycetes species, due to the remarkable survival capability of these microorganisms in adverse hospital environment, carrying a threat to the health of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Siavashifar
- Student Research Comitee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei
- Student Research Comitee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Tahereh Motallebirad
- Department of Basic and Laboratory and Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Qods street, Khomein, Iran
| | - Davood Azadi
- Department of Basic and Laboratory and Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Qods street, Khomein, Iran.
| | - Abdorrahim Absalan
- Department of Basic and Laboratory and Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Qods street, Khomein, Iran
| | - Zahra Naserramezani
- Student Research Comitee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Golshani
- Student Research Comitee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Morteza Jafarinia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kazem Ghaffari
- Department of Basic and Laboratory and Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Qods street, Khomein, Iran
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24
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Hozalski RM, LaPara TM, Zhao X, Kim T, Waak MB, Burch T, McCarty M. Flushing of Stagnant Premise Water Systems after the COVID-19 Shutdown Can Reduce Infection Risk by Legionella and Mycobacterium spp. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15914-15924. [PMID: 33232602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is concern about potential exposure to opportunistic pathogens when reopening buildings closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, water samples were collected before, during, and after flushing showers in five unoccupied (i.e., for ∼2 months) university buildings with quantification of opportunists via a cultivation-based assay (Legionella pneumophila only) and quantitative PCR. L. pneumophila were not detected by either method; Legionella spp., nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), however, were widespread. Using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), the estimated risks of illness from exposure to L. pneumophila and MAC via showering were generally low (i.e., less than a 10-7 daily risk threshold), with the exception of systemic infection risk from MAC exposure in some buildings. Flushing rapidly restored the total chlorine (as chloramine) residual and decreased bacterial gene targets to building inlet concentrations within 30 min. During the postflush stagnation period, the residual chlorine dissipated within a few days and bacteria rebounded, approaching preflush concentrations after 6-7 days. These results suggest that flushing can quickly improve water quality in unoccupied buildings, but the improvement may only last a few days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond M Hozalski
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
| | - Timothy M LaPara
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
| | - Taegyu Kim
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
| | - Michael B Waak
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7031, Norway
- Department of Infrastructure, SINTEF Community, Trondheim 7031, Norway
| | - Tucker Burch
- Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Michael McCarty
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
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25
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Sédillot-Daniel È, Voizard B, Vallières É, Woods O, Quintal MC. Chronic suppurative otomastoiditis due to nontuberculous mycobacteria: A case series. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 138:110375. [PMID: 33152966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Eight new cases of chronic otomastoiditis due to nontuberculous mycobacteria were reported at Center Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ) between 2008 and 2018. In the literature, only 89 cases have been described since 1972. This case series aims to define the clinical presentation, infectious pathogens, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic means employed in cases of nontuberculous mycobacteria otitis media encountered in our tertiary pediatric reference center. METHODS All cases of otitis media caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria diagnosed at Sainte-Justine between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Species identification was retrieved from the Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec, Quebec's provincial public health and reference laboratory. RESULTS All 8 cases occurred in immunocompetent children. Clinical features on presentation were chronic tympanostomy tube otorrhea with abundant granulation tissue in 7 cases. CT scan demonstrated coalescent mastoiditis in 3 cases. The median delay between initial presentation and identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria was 81 days. Seven patients had a Mycobacterium (M.) abscessus complex infection. Treatment consisted of weekly microscopic granulation debridement, a combined systemic antibiotic therapy for an average duration of 21 weeks, as well as instillation of boric acid into the middle ear. While 3 cases required at least one mastoidectomy, 2 cases were treated only medically. CONCLUSION Nontuberculous mycobacteria otitis media is a rare clinical entity, for which high clinical suspicion and specific microbiological analyses could minimize diagnostic delay. The use of boric acid as a desiccating agent may allow for a better local control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ève Sédillot-Daniel
- Division of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Béatrice Voizard
- Division of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Émilie Vallières
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Owen Woods
- Division of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Marie-Claude Quintal
- Division of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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26
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Unchartered waters: the unintended impacts of residual chlorine on water quality and biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:34. [PMID: 32978404 PMCID: PMC7519676 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Disinfection residuals in drinking water protect water quality and public heath by limiting planktonic microbial regrowth during distribution. However, we do not consider the consequences and selective pressures of such residuals on the ubiquitous biofilms that persist on the vast internal surface area of drinking water distribution systems. Using a full scale experimental facility, integrated analyses were applied to determine the physical, chemical and biological impacts of different free chlorine regimes on biofilm characteristics (composition, structure and microbiome) and water quality. Unexpectedly, higher free chlorine concentrations resulted in greater water quality degredation, observable as elevated inorganic loading and greater discolouration (a major cause of water quality complaints and a mask for other failures). High-chlorine concentrations also reduced biofilm cell concentrations but selected for a distinct biofilm bacterial community and inorganic composition, presenting unique risks. The results challenge the assumption that a measurable free chlorine residual necessarily assures drinking water safety.
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